SADC leaders discuss migration and regional challenges at 46th Summit, Ramaphosa assumes chairmanship
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Southern African Development Community SADC leaders discussed migration in the region during the 46th SADC Summit in Durban, expressing regret at the situation in South Africa. Ramaphosa formally assumed the chairmanship of SADC from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and will lead the 16-member organization for the next 12 months. The summit, which concluded on Monday, 17 August 2026, reviewed progress on the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan and SADC Vision 2050. Leaders also addressed peace and security challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Mozambique, and Madagascar, reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, constitutionalism, and multilateral cooperation. Ramaphosa stated that South Africa provided an update on migration, acknowledging the complex challenge and expressing gratitude for regional solidarity. He emphasized the need for unity and collective solutions to address migration, noting that over 100,000 African migrants were forced to flee or were deported from South Africa due to anti-immigrant pressure. Ramaphosa urged leaders to move beyond resolutions to deliver tangible results that improve citizens' lives. He placed industrialization at the center of South Africa's SADC chairship, highlighting its role in creating jobs, expanding productive capacity, and developing competitive value chains. Other priorities include harnessing the region's mineral wealth, agricultural potential, and