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Acting Executive Secretary
The SADC Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr Prega Ramsamy of Mauritius was
appointed acting Executive Secretary effective 1 January 2000.

2.2.2 Major Milestones 2001-2010

The 20 SADC Summit was held in Windhoek, Namibia 2000-2001
th
on 6-7 August 2000, hosted by President Samuel Shafiishuna
Nujoma and chaired by President Joaquim Alberto Chissano
of Mozambique.

Positive Economic Growth impacted by Debt, Disaster Risk and Food Insecurity
The 20th SADC Summit discussed issues impacting on economic development, noting
that on average, the region has achieved positive GDP growth rates for the five years since
1995, projected at 3.5 percent for the year 2000, although this is not adequate to tackle
poverty reduction. The Summit observed the liberalisation of exchange controls in the
region as the economies adopted market-oriented exchange rate regimes, and also that the
investment climate has improved, although the flow of investment has not matched
expectations. External debt remains a major impediment for SADC Member States and
the Summit expressed appreciation for the cancellation of some bilateral debt, but noted
that this has not been effective in reducing the burden because most of the debt is owed
to multilateral institutions. Heavy rains caused severe flooding in several Member States 43
early in the year, with loss of lives, homes, crops and livestock, as well as destruction of
infrastructure. This has impacted on food security as the regional cereal availability is
insufficient to cover consumption and strategic reserve needs.

HIV and AIDS of Major Concern
HIV and AIDS continue to be of major concern with more than 10 percent of the adult
population infected in some Member States. A Multi-Sectoral SADC HIV/AIDS
Technical Subcommittee has been established and a SADC HIV/AIDS Strategic
Framework and Programme of Action 2000-2004. The 20th Summit approved Principles
to Guide Negotiations with the Pharmaceutical Companies on Provision of Drugs for
Treatment of HIV/AIDS-Related Conditions, including the critical role of poverty and
malnutrition; maintaining the care and supplies of appropriate drugs; equitability,
affordability and accessibility.

Eight Protocols Ratified and Entered into Force
Eight of 11 SADC Protocols have been ratified by two-thirds of Member States and
entered into force. New Protocols were signed for the SADC Tribunal and Rules of
Procedure; Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses; and Legal Affairs.

Call on US Congress to reconsider Zimbabwe Democracy Act 2000
The 20th SADC Summit issued a statement on the Zimbabwe Democracy Act 2000
urging the United States Congress to reconsider its policy on Zimbabwe, and withdraw
the Act before it passes into law.

Summit of Signatories to the Agreement for a Ceasefire in DRC
The Second Summit of Signatories to the Agreement for a Ceasefire in DRC was held in
Lusaka, Zambia on 14-15 August 2000 at the invitation of President Frederick Chiluba,
with several SADC Member States represented and the United Nations, OAU, SADC
Secretariat and Zambia attending as witnesses to the Ceasefire Agreement. The Summit
addressed issues including the deployment of UN military observers, and the Inter-
Congolese Dialogue facilitated by Sir Quett Ketumile Joni Masire.