President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver a keynote address on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) translating its vision into action at the UKZN Westville Campus in Durban on Friday.
The public lecture forms part of South Africa’s hosting of the 46th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the SADC. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the President, said the lecture is an opportunity for people from different sectors of society to participate in discussions about the regional integration agenda and strengthen public ownership of SADC’s Vision 2050.
It will be convened under the theme, Translating SADC Vision 2050 into Action: Pathways Towards Solidarity, Equality and Shared Prosperity.
Magwenya said the lecture will provide a platform for high-level reflection and public dialogue on practical pathways for advancing regional integration, industrialisation, infrastructure development, peace, security and inclusive development in Southern Africa.
“The theme emphasises the need to translate the community’s Vision 2050 from a long-term aspiration into concrete programmes, investments and measurable outcomes that deliver visible benefits to citizens and communities across member states,” he said.
The lecture is also expected to highlight the importance of industrialisation, market integration, human capital development, good governance, institutional effectiveness, and active participation by governments, academia, business, civil society, traditional leaders, women, youth and citizens.
Magwenya said the lecture will also reflect on progress made toward attaining the vision, including achievements, persistent constraints, emerging risks and opportunities requiring accelerated regional action.
Magwenya said that against the backdrop of global uncertainty, climate-related shocks, economic pressures and the need to strengthen regional resilience, the lecture will provide an important opportunity for policymakers, academics, business leaders, regional experts, diplomats, students and members of the public to engage on how SADC can move from aspiration to implementation.
Also, how it can deliver tangible improvements in the lives and livelihoods of the people of Southern Africa.
“President Ramaphosa’s keynote address will reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the implementation of Vision 2050 in pursuit of solidarity, equality and shared prosperity,” Magwenya said.
zainul.dawood@iol.co.za
IOL
