The Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Honourable Senator Pholile Shakantu, who is also the Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, on 8 September 2026.
The meeting marked the commencement of the SADC Secretariat's briefing mission to the Kingdom of Eswatini in its capacity as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Professor Theletsane is in Eswatini accompanied by a team of officials from the SADC Secretariat.
The Kingdom of Eswatini assumed the Chairship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 17 August 2026, following its election by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. As Chair of the Organ, Eswatini is entrusted with providing political leadership and strategic guidance in advancing the regional peace, security, governance and stability agenda.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the Secretariat to brief the Chairperson on key developments, priorities, programmes and activities being implemented under the Organ, as well as to discuss progress in advancing peace, security, political cooperation and regional stability across the SADC region. The briefing also served as a platform to align priorities and strengthen coordination between the Chair and the Secretariat in the implementation of the Organ's mandate.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Theletsane reaffirmed the SADC Secretariat's commitment to supporting Eswatini in its leadership role as Chair of the Organ. He underscored the importance of close collaboration between Member States and the Secretariat in promoting peace, security, democracy and sustainable development throughout the region.
Honourable Senator Shakantu welcomed the delegation and reiterated Eswatini's commitment to advancing the objectives of the Organ. The Minister emphasized the importance of continued regional solidarity, dialogue and cooperation in addressing emerging political, peace and security challenges affecting the region.
The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation is one of the key institutions of the regional bloc, mandated to promote peace, security, political stability and good governance among Member States. Through preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention and resolution, election observation, mediation initiatives and security cooperation, the Organ contributes significantly to creating a peaceful and stable environment that supports regional integration, economic growth and sustainable development.
As Chair of the Organ, the Kingdom of Eswatini will play a strategic leadership role in providing political oversight and guidance on the implementation of the Organ's programmes and priorities, while strengthening collective efforts aimed at safeguarding peace, democracy, good governance and security across the region.
