BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Eswatini has been equipped with the knowledge and tools required to effectively lead the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation following its assumption of the chairship.
This emerged during an induction briefing conducted by the SADC Secretariat in Mbabane on Wednesday, which brought together senior government officials and key stakeholders to prepare the Kingdom for its responsibilities as chair of the regional peace and security body.
The induction was aimed at giving Eswatini a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities, procedures, programmes and expectations associated with leading the Organ.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sizwe Ntshangase said the briefing was important in preparing the Kingdom to execute its responsibilities.
He said Eswatini was assuming the chairship with humility and commitment to the values and objectives of SADC.
Ntshangase said the Kingdom would work closely with the SADC Secretariat, the Organ Troika, member states and other stakeholders in advancing the mandate of the Organ.
The induction provided officials with an overview of the Organ’s mandate and programmes, including political and diplomatic engagement, conflict prevention and resolution, mediation, election observation, defence cooperation and regional policing.
It also covered public and state security, counter-terrorism initiatives and early warning systems, among other areas.
The Organ is responsible for promoting peace, security and political stability within the SADC region, while also supporting democratic governance and the rule of law among member states.
Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs at the SADC Secretariat, outlined the key responsibilities that Eswatini will assume during its tenure as chair.
These include providing strategic leadership, facilitating consultations among member states, coordinating regional responses to political and security developments and overseeing the implementation of decisions taken by the SADC Summit and the Organ Troika.
Theletsane also took participants through the Organ’s key programmes, giving Eswatini officials a clearer understanding of the mechanisms available to address political and security challenges affecting the region.
The briefing further addressed the minimum standards and requirements for hosting SADC meetings.
This was intended to ensure that meetings hosted by Eswatini are conducted consistently and efficiently while complying with established regional protocols.
Participants were also briefed on SADC branding, publicity and visibility guidelines.
The guidelines are aimed at ensuring a unified regional identity while improving public awareness of SADC programmes, activities and achievements.
Eswatini assumed the chairship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on August 17, 2026.
The induction therefore forms part of the Kingdom’s preparations to discharge its regional responsibilities and provide leadership on matters affecting peace, security and stability in Southern Africa.
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