Zimbabwe, with the support of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is set to host a crucial Meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General on June 5, 2026, in Victoria Falls. This high-level gathering aims to provide essential legal oversight and strategic guidance on various regional cooperation initiatives, governance matters, and the harmonisation of laws among SADC Member States.
The Committee will deliberate on several draft SADC legal instruments, which will then be recommended to the SADC Council of Ministers and the Summit of Heads of State and Government for their consideration and approval. Key agenda items include a study on categories of matters for implementation through Protocols versus other SADC legal instruments, and a Draft Charter establishing the SADC Pharmaceuticals Pooled Procurement Services.
The latter seeks to create an autonomous institution to coordinate pooled regional procurement of medicines and health commodities, aiming to reduce costs and improve access to essential medicines across Member States. Additionally, proposals to review the SADC Protocol on Legal Affairs will be discussed, alongside the Draft Agreement establishing the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, designed to streamline procedures for tourism-related stays.
The re-operationalisation of the SADC Tribunal to ensure adherence to the SADC Treaty and its subsidiary instruments, and the consideration of judges for appointment to the SADC Administrative Tribunal, are also on the agenda. The Honourable Mmamoloko Kubayi, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, will preside over the meeting in her capacity as Chairperson of the Committee.
Key Players Involved
- Republic of Zimbabwe: Host nation for the SADC meeting.
- Southern African Development Community (SADC): Regional body focused on cooperation and integration.
- Honourable Mmamoloko Kubayi: South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, chairing the meeting.
Event Timeline
- May 26, 2026: Announcement of the SADC Ministers of Justice/Attorneys General meeting.
- June 5, 2026: Scheduled date for the meeting in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
