SADC justice ministers adopt treaty, tourism university and pooled medicines charter

SADC justice ministers adopt treaty, tourism university and pooled medicines charter

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SADC Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General have adopted a set of regional legal instruments and recommendations aimed at deepening regional integration, strengthening governance and improving cooperation in areas such as public health and the movement of services.

The ministers met after a four-day meeting of senior legal officials, where recommendations were prepared for consideration and implementation by member states.

Welcoming delegates in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s Attorney General Mrs Virginia Mabiza called for shared responsibility in strengthening the rule of law and cooperation across Southern Africa.

“As leaders entrusted with the administration of justice and the advancement of the rule of law, you play a critical role in shaping our future as a region. Through your leadership, our legal systems become stronger, our institutions become more effective, and our citizens gain greater confidence in the governance structures that serve them,” she said.

Mrs Mabiza said the venue symbolised regional connectedness, adding: “As its waters know no borders, they remind us that while we are sovereign nations, our destinies remain closely linked together.”

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Speaking to journalists after closed-door deliberations, the chairperson of the committee and South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Honourable Mmamaloko Kubayi, said the committee had adopted all agenda items before it and issued legal guidance linked to SADC’s integration programme.

She said the meeting considered the draft agreement amending Article 33 of the SADC Treaty, a draft agreement establishing a SADC Tourism University, and a draft charter establishing the SADC Pharmaceuticals Pooled Procurement Services.

“These instruments will contribute significantly to strengthening regional cooperation, facilitating economic growth, enhancing public health systems, and promoting the movement of people and services within our region,” Honourable Kubayi said.

Honourable Kubayi also said ministers reviewed progress on the re-operationalisation of the SADC Tribunal, and reaffirmed their commitment to continue national consultations on the process. She added that issues related to the SADC Administrative Tribunal and other legal and institutional matters were also discussed.

SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Elias Magosi, thanked Zimbabwe and member states for cooperation, and urged faster progress on integration. He noted that Zimbabwe hosted the previous committee meeting virtually in July 2025 and welcomed delegates again in person in Victoria Falls.

“This noble gesture of solidarity reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to the unity that defines our region and the work of this committee,” Magosi said.

The outcomes from the meeting are expected to inform future policy decisions in member states and reinforce SADC’s focus on legal reform, good governance and regional integration.

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