International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is visiting Maputo, Republic of Mozambique, on 2-3 October 2014 for the launch of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer Mission.

At the recent SADC Summit in Zimbabwe, South Africa was unanimously elected by the 15 SADC Heads of State and Government to chair the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The Organ is responsible for promoting peace, security and stability in the region.

During its tenure as Chair for the Organ, South Africa will lead SADC Election Observer Missions in several countries, including Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia.

Following the launch of the SADC Election Observer Mission on 3 October 2014 in Maputo, it is expected that SADC Election Observers will be deployed to all the provinces as of 4 October 2014 in preparation for the elections on 15 October 2014.

Following the elections, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission will, as practice, issue a preliminary statement on the elections.

Enquiries:
Mr Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 884 5974

Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation