Zimbabwe has assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) VSAT Supervisory Board, placing the country at the centre of regional efforts to modernise aeronautical communications and strengthen air traffic management systems.
The development comes as aviation authorities from 14 SADC Member States and regional aviation organisations converge in Victoria Falls for the 21st SADC VSAT Supervisory Board Meeting.
The meeting is focusing on the continued development, maintenance and modernisation of the regional satellite-based communications network, which plays a critical role in facilitating communication between Air Traffic Control centres across Southern Africa.
The SADC VSAT network was established in 1998 under the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology to address communication gaps affecting air traffic management in the region.
Over the years, the system has evolved from a basic communications platform into an integrated satellite communications network supporting the growing requirements of regional aviation.
Director in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Allowance Sango, said Zimbabwe’s assumption of the chairmanship presented an opportunity to deepen regional integration while accelerating the modernisation of aeronautical communications.
“For Zimbabwe, stepping into this key leadership role within the SADC VSAT framework is about driving regional integration. We are not just hosting a meeting; we are actively shaping the future of aeronautical communications, ensuring our airspace is equipped with next-generation satellite technology that guarantees safety and continuity for all flights across the region,” he said.
Sango said the meeting also demonstrated Zimbabwe’s commitment to international aviation standards and the upgrading of its air traffic management infrastructure.
“This gathering highlights Zimbabwe’s strategic alignment with global aviation standards. By championing cost-effective maintenance and system modernisation right here at home, Zimbabwe is ensuring that our air traffic management systems are scalable, elastic and fully prepared to support our economic growth under Vision 2030 and well beyond 2030,” he said.
The chairmanship will see Zimbabwe participating in key discussions concerning the future direction of the SADC VSAT network, including infrastructure modernisation, maintenance, operational efficiency and aviation safety.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) Director-General George Mashababe said Zimbabwe remained committed to ensuring that its air traffic management systems conform to international requirements while taking advantage of emerging technologies.
“Our commitment as the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe is to ensure absolute alignment with ICAO standards while pushing for technological elasticity,” he said.
Mashababe said Zimbabwe’s leadership role would also contribute to strengthening maintenance arrangements and continuous safety improvements across the regional network.
“By stepping up to lead the SADC VSAT network, Zimbabwe is driving cost-effective logistical support, centralised maintenance and continuous safety upgrades that keep our skies secure well beyond 2030,” he said.
The Victoria Falls meeting comes at a time when SADC is intensifying efforts to improve regional connectivity and integration. Reliable aeronautical communications are critical to ensuring safe, efficient and uninterrupted air traffic operations as passenger and cargo movements across the region continue to grow.
