Mugabe to take over as Sadc chair

President Mugabe - who is also African Union First Deputy Chair - is expected to take over the SADC chair from Malawi at the bloc's Ordinary Summit in Victoria Falls.

President Mugabe is likely to pursue politics of self-determination and black empowerment when Zimbabwe assumes the Sadc Chair in August this year, commentators have said.

They said the region could expect resolute leadership, given President Mugabe's uncompromising views on Africa's Renaissance.

Zanu-PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo said economic empowerment and unity were close to the President's heart.

"The main issue is that he will obviously try and promote our model of development that is through indigenisation and empowerment," said Gumbo.

"He will also pursue the issue of agriculture reform with respect to creation of food security in Sadc, improvement of infrastructure and links and unity among countries in the region.

"Value addition and beneficiation is another aspect of empowerment that he is likely to pursue because he wants to see locals benefiting from their resources and creating employment. Those are the things that are on President Mugabe's heart."

Midlands State University Dean of International Relations Mr Christopher Gwatidzo said he expected to see more emphasis on self-determination.

"The President has been consistent in terms of speaking strongly about the need to respect sovereignty of Independent nations and that is the position he will definitely maintain when he takes over as Sadc chairperson.

"He will obviously make sure there is consolidated position on regional integration to ensure economic independence and the ability of Sadc to own its endowed resources.

"Definitely the empowerment of people in the Sadc region will be accelerated especially around land reform, education and indigenisation policies. There may be differences on the implementation mechanisms but the principle will be the same," said Mr Gwatidzo.

He said President Mugabe would also pursue stability, peace and security in Sadc.

"Food security through sustainable development initiatives is another area that he is likely to push to ensure that we engage the world from a position of strength," said Mr Gwatidzo.

Political analyst Mr Godwine Mureriwa added: "What is important to note is that President Mugabe has always been consistent about the need to promote the values of Pan-Africanism.

"As he takes over Sadc - a region that is strategically positioned in terms of its wealth that has created competition for our resources from all over - President Mugabe will spearhead total reclamation of the Sadc heritage.

"He will make it clear to our erstwhile colonisers that there is an irresistible drive toward economic empowerment of indigenous Africans which therefore means that there should be dialogue between the European Union, the United States and Sadc from a perspective of mutual respect."

He said peace and security would also pre-occupy the President in the wake of rising terrorism threats in Africa.

"Zimbabwe's achievements with our security forces speak volumes about our capacity to lead in that direction," Mr Mureriwa said.

University of Zimbabwe-based international relations expert Mr Farai Sasa said President Mugabe should see to the operationalisation of the Sadc Brigade so that it can be deployed.

"This will help take care of the security threats in the continent. Terrorism is coming closer than we thought so there is need to counter that.

"He should also pursue issues around funding of Sadc so that member countries commit to paying their dues on time to ensure that it is self-funded in its operations instead of relying on donors.

"What is clear is that President Mugabe will re-enforce the spirit of unity and Pan-Africanism while at the same time promoting regional integration."