SADC elects new Executive Secretary: Tanzanian woman Dr Tax
SADC has appointed a Tanzanian woman Dr. Stergomena L. Tax, who was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of East African Cooperation as the new SADC Executive Secretary.
This is the first time in the history of SADC for a woman to hold such high position in the organization.
Malawi Chief Justice Anastasia Msosa presided in the swearing-in of Dr Tax, who replaces outgoing Executive Secretary in Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomão at the conclusion of 33rd session of Heads of State and government summit in Malawi’s Capital City Lilongwe on Sunday.
Tax secured 79 percent votes against Peter Sinon, Seychelles Minister for Investment Natural Resources and Industry.
SADC Chair and President Joyce Banda welcomed Tax saying the appointment of a woman in SADC’s top post demonstrates SADC’s continued commitment to realise gender equality, equity and women’s empowerment.
“I am confident that we will work together to further the ideals, policies and programmes of our great regional grouping. You and I have no choice but to succeed”
“I, being the first female Chair, and you, being the first female Executive Director, shall be expected to demonstrate our total commitment and determination to continue with the work of our brothers and take SADC to the next level,” Banda said.
She said failing to perform would be failing our brothers (Heads of State and Governments) whom she said had provided space for women to participate in shaping the region’s destiny.
“More importantly we shall let down fellow women who are counting on our success, as well as the girls of our region who look upon us as their role models,” Banda said.
Meanwhile the Council of Ministers has postponed for one month voting on the Deputy Executive Secretary post because of a stalemate, Nyasa Times is reliably informed.
South Africa is vying for the post.
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