Kinshasa, 20 March 2023 (TDI): The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers meeting concluded on Sunday, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Council meeting of Ministers took place under the theme of “Promoting industrialization through agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and regional value chains for inclusive and resilient economic growth.”
The South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor said on Sunday, “the Council of Ministers oversees the functioning and development of SADC, and ensures that policies and decisions are implemented”.
The Council of Ministers meeting discussed the overall status of the implementation of Council and Summit Decisions, Prioritized Intervention Areas for the Theme of the 41st SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (2020-2030) and Operationalization of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) also came under discussion.
Humanitarian aid to Malawi
To assist the humanitarian and emergency response in Malawi, Council approved an amount of US$300,000 for humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Malawi.
This was in response to the declaration of the State of Disaster and the appeal for external support by the President of the Republic of Malawi Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.
Monetization of NGOs
In addition, the Foreign Minister of Zimbabwe, Frederick Shava urged the Council that SADC countries must vigorously monitor the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in their respective jurisdictions.
This would be to ensure they do not deviate from their mandates and also demonstrate accountability & transparency in their operations. “There is a need for a vigorous and continuous monitoring & review mechanism of accredited non-state actors.
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This is to ensure that they stick to their mandates and demonstrate accountability, transparency, and good governance in their affairs,” Foreign Minister Shava said.
Further, he added, Zimbabwe will soon promulgate a law that allows the State to regulate NGO activities.
