Gaborone, Botswana – Zambia’s new High Commissioner to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Pamela M. Chisanga, officially took the reins on Thursday, pledging a more proactive role in regional initiatives and closer collaboration with the Secretariat.
The ceremony at SADC headquarters in Gaborone resonated with symbolism. Held in the boardroom named after Zambia’s founding President and SADC co-founder, Kenneth David Kaunda, it marked a new chapter for the nation’s leadership within the regional bloc.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi acknowledged Zambia’s crucial role in regional peace and security under President Hakainde Hichilema’s chairmanship of the Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation. “President Hichilema’s leadership and guidance have significantly contributed to enhancing peace and security in the region,” Magosi commended.
Magosi further emphasized SADC’s focus on improving the lives of its citizens, highlighting the Secretariat’s commitment to supporting member states. He expressed his eagerness to work with the High Commissioner to facilitate the ratification of agreements andprotocols, vital for SADC’s progress.
Chisanga, in turn, pledged to strengthen communication and engagement between SADC and Zambia, particularly in light of the nation’s leadership role. She promised a more proactive approach to supporting SADC initiatives, mobilizing support, and influencing positive outcomes.
“The milestones achieved by the community are commendable,” she declared, expressing her anticipation of establishing a platform for enhanced interaction between the Secretariat and member state representatives.