The Outgoing Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Her Excellency Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax on 27 August, 2021 bade farewell to Management and staff of the SADC Secretariat with special thanks for the dedication, professionalism and support demonstrated by staff during her eight-year tenure as the SADC Executive Secretary.
In her farewell speech, Dr Tax urged the SADC Secretariat staff to continue to live and embody SADC Secretariat values of Quality of Service and Competency; Professionalism; Integrity; Commitment and Passion; Team Spirit; Mutual Respect and Trust; Courtesy; Equality of Opportunity; and Transparency and Frankness in order to sustain the reputation that SADC built over time.
Dr Tax further implored staff to embrace positivity in order to make a difference and achieve organisational goals. “NEVER start with it is impossible, start with it is doable, and explore possibilities, until you have exhausted all alternatives. Success lies in positivity,” said Dr Tax.
The Outgoing Executive Secretary called on staff to render the same measure of support to her successor H.E. Elias Mpedi Magosi, who was sworn-in on 18th August 2021 at the 41st SADC Summit held in Lilongwe, Malawi as the 7th Executive Secretary of SADC. She expressed optimism that, under H.E. Magosi as the SADC Executive Secretary, the SADC Secretariat is in the capable hands to continue advancing the SADC regional development and integration agenda.
Dr Tax took the opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to the host, the Government of the Republic of Botswana for the excellent facilitation and support accorded to her and the Secretariat throughout her tenure as the SADC Executive Secretary, which enabled the Secretariat to achieve significant milestones. On this note, Dr Tax thanked the Government of the Republic of Botswana for the efficient and effective handling of the COVID 19 pandemic which led to fewer infections and deaths and allowed for sustained and accelerated performance of SADC Secretariat activities since the COVID 19 Pandemic outbreak in early 2020.
In their speeches at the farewell event, the Deputy Executive Secretary - Regional Integration, Dr Thembinkosi Mhlongo, Deputy Executive Secretary-Corporate Affairs, Ambassador Joseph Nourrice and representative of the Secretariat Staff Association Ms. Sibongile Mavimbela outlined a long list of SADC accomplishments under the leadership of Dr Tax as the Executive Secretary and said these accomplishments will remain a lasting legacy of Dr Tax’s leadership long after her departure from the SADC Secretariat.
Since the swearing in of H.E. Magosi as the SADC Executive Secretary, Dr Tax has worked closely with the Incoming Executive Secretary to ensure a smooth transition at the SADC Secretariat.
Dr Tax’s tenure of office as Executive Secretary will officially come to an end on 31st August, 2021 and will be remembered for being the first and only female SADC Executive Secretary in the 40 years of SADC’s history. She leaves behind a strong and vibrant institution with a track record of achievements.
