Ian Khama to deputise Mugabe

Botswana President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama was yesterday elected new deputy SADC chair while South African president Jacob Zuma landed the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation chair.

Zuma takes over from outgoing Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who is set to step down in November after serving two terms in office when his country goes for elections.

Botswana will host next year's summit. The two-day 34th SADC Heads of States and Government, which ended here yesterday also elected Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Matabane as deputy to Zuma in the Organ on Politics.

In his report, President Pohamba said the region remains peaceful and stable and noted progress in peace missions to eastern DRC.

Regarding the issue, the summit endorsed the last joint SADC ministerial meeting that the voluntary surrender and disarmament of rebels shall be done within a six month time frame.

The region re-affirmed commitment to support the new kid on the block.