Press Statement

02 March 2012

SADC Council of Ministers Meeting concludes successfully in Angola

The bi-annual SADC Council of Ministers Meeting successfully concluded its business today, 02 March 2012, in Luanda, Republic of Angola. South Africa was represented in the meeting by a delegation comprising of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies and senior government officials.

Amongst other things, the SADC Council of Ministers Meeting noted that South Africa has provided some US$4m for airlifting and shipping of the contributions from SADC Members States of humanitarian aid to the people of Somalia.

The contributions were made concomitant to the SADC Summit decision of August 2011 to show solidarity with the people of Somalia by providing moral, material and monetary support.

At least six SADC Member States, namely Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia provided a total of 8073 tons of perishable and non-perishable goods, food stuffs and other relief supplies.

The Republic of Angola is the current Chair of the SADC after taking over from the Republic of Namibia during the 31st Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held in Luanda, Angola, in August 2011.

SADC continues to serve as the primary vehicle for the South African foreign policy in relation to regional development and integration within Southern Africa. South Africa’s future remains inextricably linked to the future of the African continent and that of its neighbours in Southern Africa.

SADC strives for balanced and equitable regional integration as a fundamental condition for sustainable development in the region and to free the people of the region from the scourges of unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment.

Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 082 884 5974

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria