SADC has, with immediate effect, suspended planned public
events in the bloc as part of efforts to minimise risks from the coronavirus
(Covid-19).
Sadc meetings will now go virtual, with video conferencing
or teleconferencing.
As of yesterday, South Africa had confirmed seven cases of
the virus, although the rest of Sadc has yet to record cases.
President Mnangagwa, who is the Chairperson of SADC Organ
on Politics, Defence and Security last week banned civil servants from
international travel.
In a statement, the Sadc secretariat member Ms Mapolao
Mokoena said owing to the virus, the Secretariat had put on hold scheduled
events until further notice.
“Considering the recent developments regarding the
coronavirus outbreak, a number of countries and institutions have taken
responsible precautionary measures to prevent the risk of exposure to
contracting and spreading of the deadly virus,” she said.
“In this phase of preparedness and uncertain moment, the
SADC Secretariat regrets to inform you that all planned SADC events around this
period have been put to hold until further notice, when the situation has
normalised and this global pandemic has been contained.”
Ms Mokoena said for the meantime all meetings will be held
through video and teleconferences and will shift to virtual meetings at an
advised date.
“We recognise that the timing of this prudent decision may
pose an inconvenience on you, however, it is made out of profound concern for
the health and well-being of the SADC citizens,” she said.
“In balance of SADC’s critical work and health concern for
everyone, we are expecting video conference or teleconference to shift to
virtual meeting, when we can and will advise you in due course.” Herald
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