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Women Representation
The 30 Summit noted progress made towards the achievement of 50 percent
th
representation of women in political and decision-making positions at all levels in line with
its 2005 decision, but that the situation is varied with some Member States recording
improvement while others are regressing, and urged Member States to ratify and
implement the Protocol on Gender and Development.
SADC Electoral Advisory Council
The SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC), established in 2005, was formally
constituted in 2010 and inaugurated in 2011 to advise SADC structures and Electoral
Commissions of Member States, in accordance with SADC Principles and Guidelines
Governing Democratic Elections.
SADC Tribunal
The SADC Tribunal, which was established in 2005 when judges from Member States
were appointed, was suspended by the 2010 Summit in Namibia which decided that a
review should be undertaken of the role, functions and terms of reference of the Tribunal,
and should be concluded within six months.
Piracy in Coastal Waters
Summit noted the economic and security threat posed by piracy in the coastal waters of
SADC Member States, especially Seychelles, Mauritius and United Republic of Tanzania,
and mandated the Secretariat to send a technical team to establish the extent of the 59
problem and recommend appropriate measures.
CCARDESA
The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development
(CCARDESA) was established through a Charter signed by Member States on 5
November 2010, to strengthen cooperation and efficiency in managing scientific
research and training to alleviate common problems.
Official Opening of New SADC Headquarters
The new SADC Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana was
officially opened on 20 November 2010 during a ceremony
attended by Heads of State and Government, hosted by
President Lt. General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
Mediation Office in Madagascar
An Extra-Ordinary Summit held at the time of the official
opening and chaired by President Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba of Namibia noted that the
situation in Madagascar remains unresolved and called for the speedy establishment of a
mediation office in the country to facilitate renewed dialogue, urging all stakeholders to
work with the SADC Mediator.
Extraordinary Summit May 2011
An Extra-Ordinary Summit was held in Windhoek, Namibia on 20 May 2011, hosted and
chaired by President Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba.
The Summit considered the Report of the Committee of Ministers of Justice and
Attorneys General on the review of the Role, Responsibilities and Terms of Reference of
the SADC Tribunal and mandated the Ministers to initiate a process to amend the SADC
legal instruments, and submit their final report to Summit in August 2012, with no cases
or hearings until the SADC Protocol on the Tribunal has been reviewed and approved.