President Ramaphosa to open Virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Wednesday, 21 October 2026, open and participate in a Virtual Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government from Cape Town.

The Extraordinary Summit is convened outside the regular annual schedule to address pressing regional matters, including outstanding institutional matters such as the appointment of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration and the election of the incoming Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

In accordance with SADC practice, invitations to Heads of State and Government have been issued by the Chairperson of the Summit.

The meeting follows South Africa’s hosting of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, from 3 to 18 August 2026.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola.

The President’s opening address will take place as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Time: 16h00
Platform: PresidencyZA digital platforms

The opening ceremony will be livestreamed on The Presidency’s digital platforms.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria