SADC Shifts Leadership to South Africa Following Madagascar‘s Relinquishment of Chairmanship
Pretoria, Republic of South africa – November 7, 2025 – In an exceptional Summit held today, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced the Republic of South Africa will assume interim chairmanship of the regional body, effective immediately and continuing until August 2026. The decision follows Madagascar’s relinquishment of the chair due to recent political developments impacting its capacity to fulfill the role’s responsibilities.
The Summit, attended by Ministers from SADC Member States and the SADC Executive Secretary, convened to address the leadership transition and reaffirm regional priorities. According to the SADC Treaty (Articles 9A(2)(b) and 10(4)), the Deputy Chairperson assumes interim leadership when the sitting Chair is unable to perform their duties, triggering South Africa’s appointment. the SADC Secretariat will initiate consultations with Member States, adhering to the principle of rotation, to identify a new incoming Chairperson (Deputy Chairperson) by November 30, 2025.
The Summit also addressed recent unrest,extending sincere condolences to the families affected by protests in Madagascar (September 2025) and the United Republic of Tanzania (recent events). Leaders expressed deep regret over the loss of life and destruction of public property and critical infrastructure in both nations.
Congratulatory messages were extended to newly elected heads of state: President Arthur Peter Mutharika of Malawi, President Patrick Herminie of Seychelles, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the united Republic of Tanzania, all elected in September and October 2025.
SADC reaffirmed its commitment to the theme adopted at the 45th SADC Summit in August 2025 in Antananarivo, Madagascar: “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” continuing its implementation until August 2026.
president Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa was thanked for convening the Extraordinary Summit and accepting the interim chairmanship. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, the outgoing chairperson, offered to host selected SADC meetings in Zimbabwe during the interim period.
President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him to lead the SADC region.
