- Evacuation followed a severe bedbug infestation
BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – EmaSwati employed at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, are among about 240 employees who have been evacuated from the regional body’s headquarters following a health and environmental threat that forced the closure of the building.
According to the Voice Newspaper of Botswana, an online publication, the evacuation, which took place in February, was confirmed this week by SADC Communications Manager Barbara Lopi, who said all SADC member states had been formally informed of the situation.
Lopi said employees from across the region, including Eswatini, remain on remote working arrangements while assessments and remedial measures continue.
“The Secretariat vacated the building due to identified health and environmental risks, not construction-related issues. The situation will continue until the assessment is completed and necessary remedial actions are taken. The Secretariat is actively working on both short-term and long-term solutions,” she said.
She declined to indicate when staff would be allowed to return to the headquarters and dismissed reports suggesting the evacuation was caused by construction defects.
Information gathered indicates that the evacuation followed a severe bedbug infestation, which created environmental health concerns within the building and prompted management to temporarily close the headquarters.
The SADC Secretariat employs approximately 240 people from across its 16 member states. EmaSwati serve in various permanent positions covering regional integration, resource mobilisation and special programmes, while others participate in internship programmes offered through Eswatini’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
SADC’s recruitment policy ensures equitable representation of member states, enabling qualified citizens from countries such as Eswatini to take up positions within the regional organisation.
For now, all affected employees, including emaSwati, continue to work remotely as the Secretariat undertakes environmental assessments and implements measures aimed at making the headquarters safe for reoccupation.
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