SADC Defence Legal Working Group meeting resumes

24 May 2012
By Kgabo Mashamaite
Photos: Ssgt Leonard Xaba (Engineering Terrain Inelligence Regiment)

A group of top legal minds from the Southern African Developing Community (SADC) Defence Forces are currently gathered in Centurion to attend a two-day SADC Legal Work Group meeting.

The objective of the meeting, which runs from 23 to 24 May 2012, will focus on the review of the SADC Defence and Security Protocol and documents as well as the SADC strategic option on combating illegal migration, smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons.

Delivering an opening address on behalf of C SA National Defence Force, Maj Gen Segomotso Mmono, Chief Defence Legal Services, conveyed Gen Shoke’s appreciation to all delegates for having honouring the call to grace the event.

“I am very much aware of the massive security responsibilities that rest upon your shoulders in your respective countries, yet you made time to be here to contribute towards a course for good that stands to benefit all of us as a region. It is increasing difficult for SADC members in the wake of economic storm to keep their defence levels and comply with the obligations of collective defence, however, SADC region remains the fundamental cornerstone of our security and an important contributor to continental security with deeds. I therefore urge all delegates present here to also engage on these matters in order to come up with realistic and sustainable solutions that will ensure greater security for less money. Indeed, we need to act together with more flexibility.” Said Maj Gen Mmono who read a speech on behalf of Gen Shoke who is away on official international engagements.

During his scripture reading Chaplain (Rev) Dr Tobias Masuku urged the delegates to strive to get a fair balance between a fair treatment and a reward.

Among the countries represented at the meeting include: Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Representatives of SADC Defence Forces getting themselves ready to deliberate on the review of the SADC Defence and Security Protocol and documents as well as the SADC strategic option on combating illegal migration, smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons	Delegates attending a two-day SADC Legal Work Group meeting hosted by the SANDF Legal Services Division in Centurion on 23 May 2012.	Maj Gen Segomotso Mmono, C Defence Legal Services, delivering a keynote address on behalf of C SANDF Gen Solly Shoke, on the opening of a two-day SADC Legal Work Group meeting in Centurion on 23 May 2012.	Chaplain (Rev) Dr Tobias Masuku delivering a sermon to the delegates attending a two-day SADC Legal Work Group meeting hosted by the SANDF Legal Services Division in Centurion on 23 May 2012