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Executive Secretary
Dr. Kaire Mbuende of Namibia was appointed as Executive Secretary in August 1993
and served up to 1999.
1995-96 The 15 SADC Summit met in Midrand, South Africa on 28 August 1995, hosted by
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President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and chaired by President Sir Quett Ketumile Joni
Masire of Botswana.
Mauritius joins SADC
Mauritius attended the SADC Summit for the first time as the 12th Member State and
the first island nation to join SADC, following the signing of instruments of accession by
Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

Southern African Power Pool
The Summit approved the establishment of the Southern African Power
Pool (SAPP) and the related Inter-Governmental Memorandum of
Understanding (IGMOU) to be signed by SADC Energy Ministers. The
objective of SAPP is to create a platform for sharing electricity from
countries with surplus generation to those with deficits.

Shared Watercourse Systems
36 The Protocol on Shared Watercourse Systems was signed by most SADC Member States for
cooperation in the optimal use and conservation of shared watercourse systems in the SADC
region, while three Member States requested to sign later after internal consultations.

SADC Flag
The SADC Flag was launched at the 15th Summit, following a competition in which
citizens of Member States were asked to submit designs. The blue background symbolises
the sky and the ocean that bring water and life to SADC; green represents the rich flora
and fauna; and the yellow lettering signifies the region’s rich mineral wealth.

Youth and Women
On the 15 anniversary, messages were received from youth representatives of SADC
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Member States, and Summit noted in particular the need to involve the youth in the
development process of the region as future leaders. A special message from SADC women
called on SADC leaders to seriously address the upliftment of women in the region, and
Summit noted that SADC Women will be represented at the forthcoming World
Conference on Women to be held in Beijing, China in September 1995.

Launch of Organ on Politics, Defence and Security
The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security was launched at an Extra-Ordinary
Summit in Gaborone in June 1996 as an institutional framework for coordinating policies
and activities. The Organ operated without a legal framework and clear objectives until
SADC leaders approved the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on
14 August 2001, and the Organ was then known by that name.
1996-97
The 16 SADC Summit was held in Maseru, Lesotho on 24 August 1996,
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hosted by His Majesty King Letsie III,and chaired by President Sir Quett
Ketumile Joni Masire of Botswana.