South Africa assumes SADC chairmanship as regional bloc endorses Tanzania elections amid controversy

By Thapelo Molefe 

South Africa has officially assumed the interim chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), following Madagascar’s decision to relinquish the role due to political instability.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa chaired the SADC Extraordinary Summit held virtually on Friday, where he reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to peace, stability, and regional cooperation. 

The summit that was attended by heads of state and ministers from across the 16-member bloc appointed South Africa as interim chair until August 2026, in line with SADC’s rotational leadership principles.  

Addressing the gathering, Ramaphosa said South Africa accepted the responsibility “humbly and with a deep sense of duty,” noting