Mugabe assumes Sadc chair

President Mugabe has taken over as Sadc chairperson and immediately implored the region to fund its activities if the regional bloc is to own them.

Outgoing chairperson and Malawian President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika in his speech called on Sadc countries to support Zimbabwe during its tenure of steering the region in regional integration until August next year.

President Mugabe said while the chairmanship was directly given to him as Head of State and Government, he dedicated the honour to the whole of Zimbabwe.

"As Zimbabwe, we look forward to making our contribution to the Sadc agenda and we confident that together we can ensure that the region focuses on interventions that have the greatest impact on the well-being of our citizens," said the Sadc chairperson.

He said Sadc countries would continue to pursue peace and tranquility in the region while castigating Israel for its attacks on Gaza where the former's forces have targeted civilians among them women and children even at United Nations centres.

President Mugabe had no kind words for Europe and the United States for turning a blind eye on Israel's inhumane attacks on Gaza.

He also called on the region to honour founding fathers of the region who sacrificed a lot to ensure the continent was free.

President Mugabe also launched the the Sadc Statistical Yearbook 2012 and the Hashim Mbita project publication.

He also awarded Mumhumutapa order of Merit to Rtd Brigadier Mbita for the role he played during his tenure as executive secretary of the Liberation Committee of the Organisation of African Unity.