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KING’S CHALLENGE TO ZUMA

20/08/2017 00:28:00 BY KING’s OFFICE CORRESPONDENT

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His Majesty King Mswati III with other heads of State during the 37th Ordinary Summit for Heads of State and Government yesterday.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA –The Kingdom of eSwatini has set an encouraging pace on deliverables on the SADC objectives during her tenure as chairperson.

His Majesty the King has thrown the challenge to the new chairperson of the regional body South African President Jacob Zuma to do better.

He presented the challenge, though diplomatically, when delivering the keynote address at the 37th Ordinary Summit for Heads of State and Government yesterday.
“With everyone’s support, I have no doubt that the new chair will run with the vision of our founding fathers with even greater vigour,” said the king.

His Majesty said leaders were confident that South Africa, under the leadership of President Zuma, would lead the organisation to greater heights.
“We pledge our unfettered and unwavering support to you President Zuma, the in-coming chair of SADC,” he emphasised.
The king called upon his fellow heads of state and government, to render the same support given to him and the kingdom of eSwatini during the country’s tenure of office.
This support he said, had helped Swaziland achieve significant progress.

Among the key milestones for the country were;
* Hosting the energy investment forum which played a pivotal role in bringing together the public and private sectors, as well as financial institutions, to put into action the 2016 summit theme,
* Vigorously promoting of industrial development which led to the launch of the SADC University of Transformation.

* Contributing to the conclusion of the strategic and operational plans for SADC that are now readily available at the secretariat and member state level, from which the region can draw some regional projects, and
* The development of the Regional Agricultural Fund, for financing the implementation of the SADC agriculture programme.

His Majesty said “While we have achieved certain milestones, there is still a lot more work to be done.” To the incoming chairperson, the king said he had full confidence that President Jacob Zuma would keep the momentum regarding the resolve to mobilise resources and finance SADC projects that contribute to a vibrant economic environment.
He emphasised the need to expedite processes to bring into reality what was started regarding the agreed SADC Regional Development Fund.