Zuma concludes visit to Swaziland for SADC summit

1st September 2016 By: News24Wire

Zuma concludes visit to Swaziland for SADC summit

President Jacob Zuma
Photo by: Reuters

President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday night concluded a visit to Swaziland for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government.

He said there were positive discussions and decisions coming out of the summit.

"The summit was a success as we dealt with a number of important issues that affect the region most, in particular issues around industrialisation, energy and infrastructure development," said Zuma.

"As leaders we have further reiterated that the time to implement Harare decisions on industrialisation and creating a vibrant economy has come to ensure that we develop our economy, create jobs and fight poverty in our region."

'Generally stable'

The summit received progress reports on various political and security matters, including those relating to Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"We have all committed ourselves to swiftly implement the recommendations as presented in the reports to ensure peace, unity and stability in affected areas."

The summit noted that the region remained "generally stable" from a political and security perspective.

The presidency said South Africa was elected as the incoming chair of SADC and would host the summit in August next year.

Zuma said the country accepted the honour.

He was accompanied by International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Defence and Military Veterans Minster Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies and State Security Minister David Mahlobo.