In a landmark and unanimous decision, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appointed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the new Chairperson of the regional bloc, marking a significant transition in its leadership.
The announcement was made during an extraordinary SADC Summit, in accordance with Articles 9A(2)(b) and 10(4) of the SADC Treaty, which allow the incoming Deputy Chairperson to assume interim leadership when the sitting Chairperson is unable to continue their duties.
With this development, South Africa assumes the Chairmanship of SADC on an interim basis and will steer the organization until August 2026, when a new Chairperson is expected to be formally inaugurated at the next annual Summit.
According to the SADC Secretariat, Member States will begin consultations through established mechanisms to identify a new Incoming Chairperson (Deputy Chairperson) by 30 November 2025, in line with the bloc’s principle of rotational leadership.
The Secretariat described the transition as a “smooth and constitutionally guided process,” underscoring SADC’s commitment to stability, democratic norms, and institutional continuity.
President Ramaphosa, who last held the SADC Chair in 2018 during a period of institutional reform and economic recalibration, returns to lead the regional organization at a pivotal moment.
In his acceptance remarks, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s dedication to regional solidarity, economic integration, and sustainable development.
“Southern Africa stands as a beacon of cooperation and resilience,” he said. “Our mandate is to deepen regional integration, strengthen peace and security, and ensure that the people of SADC continue to benefit from inclusive and sustainable development.”
He emphasized that his leadership would focus on accelerating intra-regional trade, advancing industrialization, enhancing peacebuilding efforts in areas affected by instability, and consolidating SADC’s influence in continental and global affairs.
The SADC Treaty outlines a clear framework for such transitions. Article 9A(2)(b) provides for the incoming Chairperson to assume interim duties in the absence or incapacity of the sitting Chair, while Article 10(4) reinforces the principle of leadership rotation and uninterrupted governance.
In its official communiqué, the SADC Secretariat said the decision to appoint South Africa as Interim Chair was made “in the spirit of unity and adherence to the Treaty,” ensuring that the region’s work continues without disruption.
Analysts have described the move as a testament to SADC’s institutional maturity and political cohesion. Historically, South Africa’s leadership within SADC has balanced diplomatic prudence with economic influence—an approach many expect President Ramaphosa to continue as he guides the bloc through its next phase of regional development and cooperation.
