…amid evolving global conflicts
Moroke Sekoboto
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre (RPTC) has taken a significant step towards strengthening the region’s peacekeeping capacity by training personnel earmarked for senior mission leadership responsibilities.
The two-week course, hosted by Lesotho, brought together participants from nine SADC member states — Angola, eSwatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. A total of 59 senior officers and leaders took part in the training.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ministry of Defence and National Security Principal Secretary, Mabataung Khalane, commended the initiative, noting that it underscores SADC’s commitment to building the capacity of its standby forces.
“As SADC member states, both those who participated and those unable to attend, we all have an obligation to continuously support and strengthen the capacities of the SADC standby force. We are grateful that the SADC Secretariat, and in particular the RPTC, has taken this step to capacitate member states, especially personnel earmarked for senior mission leadership roles,” Ms Khalane said.
She stressed that the ongoing conflicts in the region and across the world demand proactive measures and vigilance.
“Peace support operations are often conducted in complex security environments with resource constraints, human rights concerns, and logistical challenges. If these are not addressed, meaningful and sustainable economic development for our region cannot be achieved.”
Ms Khalane expressed confidence that the course had equipped participants with the knowledge and insight necessary to provide strategic leadership in peacekeeping missions.
“It is my belief that this course has provided you with the tools to set a mission’s strategic direction and vision, and to coordinate and integrate all components effectively to produce tangible results. Your diverse backgrounds and experiences have enriched the learning environment and fostered collaboration and mutual respect,” she said.
On behalf of the Government of Lesotho, Ms Khalane thanked SADC member states for their unwavering support in promoting peace through such capacity-building initiatives.
“My warmest appreciation goes to the RPTC commandant, facilitators, and organisers of this course. Your expertise, dedication, and passion for peace have been instrumental in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Your efforts have not only imparted knowledge but also inspired a renewed commitment to the noble cause of peace and security,” she said.
RPTC Commandant Colonel Patrick Mkandwire said the course aimed to prepare participants for leadership roles in peacekeeping missions and enhance their understanding of the operational frameworks of SADC, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN).
“I am convinced that the aims and objectives of the course were met, especially under the able stewardship of Major General Mokaloba and Assistant Commissioner Chiyota,” Col Mkandwire said.
He explained that the training covered all components of multidimensional peace support operations — military, police, corrections, and civilian.
“This course was attended by participants from nine SADC member states: 26 from the military, 11 from the police, seven from corrections, and 18 civilians — a total of 59 participants, of whom 69% were male and 31% female,” he noted.
Col Mkandwire added that the participants engaged in both theoretical and practical sessions through syndicate work, which allowed them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I believe that the participants are now able to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and devise effective solutions to ensure successful mission implementation.”
He also extended appreciation to Lesotho for hosting the event.
“It was a pleasure for us, the SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre and SADC member states, to be here in Lesotho. We take great cognizance of the effort made by the Government of Lesotho in preparing for this training. On behalf of the SADC Secretariat and SADC member states, we express our sincere appreciation for your support,” Col Mkandwire said.
Some participants, including Senior Superintendent Kabelo Halahala, Colonel Benjamin Ndleleni, and Advocate David Ntheola, described the training as highly educative, saying it provided practical insights into conflict engagement and strategies for enforcing lasting peace and stability in the region.