Durban has welcomed leaders from across Southern Africa as the region prepares for the 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community(SADC) at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Among the arrivals was Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko, accompanied by First Lady Ms Kaone Boko. He was received at King Shaka International Airport by South Africa’s Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga.

Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie, Madagascar President Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, Malawi’s Second Vice President Right Honourable Enock Kanzingeni Chihana, and His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini were also welcomed at the airport by Minister of Water and Sanitation Ms Pemmy Majodina. Mozambique President Daniel Chapo was received by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms Thandi Moraka.

The high-level arrivals signal the importance of the summit, which brings together SADC leaders to discuss the region’s economic and political priorities, including industrialisation, infrastructure development, agriculture, critical minerals, regional integration and peace and security.

On the margins of the summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with President Randrianirina of Madagascar. The discussions included Madagascar’s political transition, the restoration of constitutional order and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between South Africa and Madagascar in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, mining, small and medium-sized enterprises.

With leaders now gathered in Durban, attention turns to the decisions that will shape the region’s development and cooperation in the year ahead.

For a city accustomed to welcoming visitors from around the world, Durban is once again taking centre stage this time as the meeting point for Southern Africa’s leaders and its shared aspirations for a more connected, resilient and prosperous region.