Migration, regional security, economic development and job creation were among the key issues discussed as SADC leaders gathered in Durban for the regional summit.
By Mapaballo Borotho
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders met in Durban for the 46th Ordinary Summit on Monday, 17 August 2026.
The summit, which focused on migration, regional security, economic development and job creation, was held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, at a time when anti-illegal migration groups continue to call for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa.
Migration has been an ongoing issue in South Africa, with many blaming it for most socio-economic issues that the Southern African country is currently going through.
These include unemployment, lack of access to healthcare and crime.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says migration must be addressed by tackling the conflict, poverty and lack of opportunities driving people to leave their countries.
He also addressed the issue of joblessness in the region, citing that their task as leaders is to convert Africa’s endowments into factories, farms, enterprises, skills and a growing market.
“We have minerals that are critical to the industries of the future. We have vast agricultural potential. We have abundant renewable energy resources. We have a young population and a growing market.
“For this to happen, we are committed to building the infrastructure that binds our economies together,” he said.
Delivering his Closing Statement at the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa emphasises the need to accelerate implementation across the region.
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 17, 2026
The President says progress must be measured… pic.twitter.com/SyaX1ZZcm6
Phemelo unpacked the key issues that were discussed at the summit with Foreign Policy Analyst Lwazi Somy.
Somy says while the summit discussed a lot of issues that are experienced by Africans, for example, immigration, it did not really address the root cause of why people leave their countries.
“Without addressing the root cause of why people leave their countries, you always find a situation of perpetual irregular immigration and perpetual instability within these regions.
All the aspirations that are economically tied concerning regional integration and creating value chains are also bound with politics and civil stability of these countries.
However, what we are seeing now is that we are trying to paper over the politics and the root of tough conversations in order for us to have these mechanised diplomatic protocols and bureaucratised approach towards them instead of just getting into the issues with a frank and fair manner for the region to advance,” he added.
For the full conversation about the key issues addressed at the summit, listen to the podcast.
READ NEXT:
