SADC demands immediate, unconditional removal of Zimbabwe sanctions

BY DIRAMAKINI

PRESIDENT of South Africa and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), H.E. Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa has renewed the regional bloc's call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe.

President of South Africa and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), H.E. Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa. (Internet Photo).

In a statement marking SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorated on October 25, 2026, President Ramaphosa said the region is sending one clear message to the world.

"Today, our Regional Economic Community sends one message to the world: we seek the complete and unconditional lifting of sanctions on our sister nation, the Republic of Zimbabwe," Ramaphosa said.

This year's commemoration is being held under the theme: "Leveraging Regional Integration and Global Partnerships for Economic Transformation Beyond Illegal Sanctions."

President Ramaphosa said this year's commemoration is especially important given the global geopolitical and economic challenges, noting that sanctions create an additional burden for Zimbabweans.

"The sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe therefore create an additional burden for its people amid an already challenging continental and international environment," he said.

He emphasized that SADC remains resolute in pursuing the lifting of sanctions, stating that sanctions against Zimbabwe are essentially sanctions against the entire SADC region.

"We reiterate our wish for those countries that have imposed illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe to give pride of place to dialogue in order to secure the lifting of these unwarranted sanctions," the statement reads.

"More importantly, they must do what is right for the seventeen million people who make up the Zimbabwean nation. The time has indeed come for the world to give Zimbabwe complete freedom from sanctions and, with it, the chance to transform its people’s lives and livelihoods socially and economically," Ramaphosa added.

SADC Anti-Sanctions Day is commemorated annually on October 25 following a resolution by SADC Heads of State to call for the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe.