KINSHASA – His Majesty King Sobhuza II has been honored with a medal as co-founder of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
According to SADC History, “From 1977, active consultations were undertaken by representatives of Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia, working together as Frontline States, culminating in a meeting of Foreign Ministries of the Frontline States in Gaborone, Botswana, in May 1979, which called for a meeting of ministers responsible for economic development.”
“SADC was officially formed on 1st April, 1980 comprising of all the majority ruled states of Southern Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Heads of States and government of the Frontline States and representatives of the governments of Lesotho, Malawi, and Swaziland signed the Lusaka Declaration “Towards Economic Liberation” in Lusaka, Zambia and thus SADCC was born,” reads the history pages of SADC.
The medals were presented by SADC Chairperson, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Malawi, supported by Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics and Security Cooperation, Republic of South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“This gesture is part of the main activities to honor the founders but also to raise awareness on the boldness displayed in establishing our regional community. The medals will be awarded posthumously unfortunately, as most of them are late,” announced the Master of Ceremonies before the presentation of the medals.
His Majesty King Sobhuza II received the medal along co-founders the late His Majesty King Moshoeshoe II of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the late former President of Angola Antonia Augustina Nieto and the late first President of Botswana Sir Seretse Khama, among others.
His Majesty King Mswati III is currently attending the 42nd Ordinary Summit for SADC Heads of State and Government which will end on the 18th of August.
