Mozambique is preparing for its general elections on 9 October, with over 14 million registered voters. The elections will determine the country's new president, parliamentarians, and provincial representatives. The ruling party, Frelimo, led by Daniel Chapo, is expected to maintain its dominance, while opposition parties Renamo and the Mozambique Democratic Movement are campaigning for change. Key issues include peace, security, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. The Southern African Development Community has played a role in restoring peace in Cabo Delgado, and will observe the elections to ensure they meet regional standards.

Mozambique is preparing for its general elections on October 9, with over 14 million registered voters. The elections will determine the new president, parliamentarians, and provincial representatives. The ruling party, Frelimo, led by Daniel Chapo, is expected to maintain its dominance, while opposition parties Renamo and MDM are campaigning for change. Key issues include peace, security, and socio-economic development. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has played a significant role in restoring peace in Cabo Delgado, and will observe the elections to ensure they meet regional standards.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is urging member states to support regional industrialisation by promoting intra-regional trade and encouraging citizens to buy locally made products. SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi emphasized the importance of market access for regional manufacturers during the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week in Harare. The event highlighted the positive impact of increased intra-SADC trade and the potential benefits of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. The SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap aims to diversify economies, enhance productive capacity, and reduce poverty. The event attracted participants from both within and outside the region, showcasing the growing interest in regional economic collaboration.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled a new cabinet on June 30, reflecting a coalition government formed after no single party secured a majority in the recent elections. The African National Congress (ANC) leads the coalition, which includes 11 political parties, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other smaller parties also holding ministerial positions. The cabinet aims to represent South Africa's diverse demographics, though it falls short in gender representation. Key changes include the separation and merging of certain ministries to focus on specific issues. Despite political differences, Ramaphosa appointed DA leader John Steenhuisen as Minister of Agriculture, while the ANC retained control over land reform, a contentious issue in the country.

South Africa's recent elections resulted in no single party securing a majority, prompting the need for a coalition government. The African National Congress (ANC) led with 40.1% of the vote, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the new party Umkhonto weSizwe (MK). President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of collaboration among parties to form a government. The Independent Electoral Commission declared the elections free and fair, despite some contestations. Political parties are now negotiating potential coalitions, with the ANC's leadership position being non-negotiable. The elections were observed by numerous international missions, affirming their democratic nature.

South Africa's recent elections resulted in no single party securing a majority, prompting discussions of a coalition government. The African National Congress (ANC) led with 40.1% of the vote, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the new Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders emphasize the need for collaboration to form a stable government. The Independent Electoral Commission declared the elections free and fair, despite some contestations. Political parties are now negotiating potential coalitions, with the ANC's leadership position being a key point of discussion.

South Africa is preparing for its seventh national elections since 1994, with a record 115 political parties registered to contest. Key issues include service delivery, power shortages, and regional dynamics. The elections will feature independent candidates for the first time, adding a new dimension to the democratic process. Major parties like the ANC, DA, and EFF dominate the candidate field, while smaller parties focus on local issues. The elections will be observed by local and international bodies, including the SADC Electoral Observation Mission, to ensure fairness and adherence to democratic principles.

SADC member states are enhancing their cooperation in water management to promote regional integration and sustainable management of shared water resources. An agreement was signed by Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to upgrade the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) to ministerial level decision-making. The amendment formalizes the Council of Ministers as LIMCOM's main policy body, aiming to improve the management of the Limpopo basin. A US$6 million project, in partnership with GWPSA, UNDP, and funded by GEF, has been launched to improve living standards and conserve resources in the Limpopo basin. The initiative reflects the broader SADC goal of sustainable management of transboundary water resources amid challenges posed by climate change.

The SADC Council of Ministers emphasized the urgent need for member states to support the SADC Regional Development Fund to unlock funding for regional development programs. The Council also highlighted the importance of disaster risk reduction, youth development, and the operationalization of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre. Tribute was paid to regional armies in Mozambique and the DRC for their role in maintaining peace. The Council approved the SADC Annual Corporate Plan and Budget for 2024/2025 and called for the ratification of agreements to facilitate regional development and disaster preparedness.

The SADC Council of Ministers will meet in Angola on 10-11 March 2024 to review progress on regional integration, focusing on resourcing the SADC Secretariat, industrialization, peace and security, food security, cholera outbreak, and upcoming elections. Key issues include financing challenges, industrialization efforts, peace missions in the DRC and Mozambique, cholera outbreak response, and drought-induced food security concerns. The Council will also prepare for the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit in Zimbabwe in August 2024.