The Minister of International Relations, Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale joined other Ministers of the SADC region at a public lecture, where His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address.

The lecture was themed “ Translating SADC Vision 2050 into Action: Pathway towards Solidarity, Equality and Shared Prosperity”.

In his message, H.E. President Ramaphosa highlighted the SADC Vision 2050 as one that envisages a free flow of goods, services and skills across the region. A region free from the shackles of colonialism, with ability to grow its own manufacturing industry particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, and to increase the beneficiation of its raw materials.

He reminded that SADC was borne out of a principle of moral solidarity. It is an organization that brings voice to the aspiration of the people. Emphasized that meaningful integration requires supporting women and youth entrepreneurship through deliberate and sustained development.

The public lecture was hosted by the University of KwaZulu Natal and co-organized by the SADC Secretariat