00:00South Africa says it's putting infrastructure development at the centre of its agenda as chair of the Southern African Development
00:08Community.
00:09Pretoria officially took the role this week after stepping in as interim chair in 2025.
00:16It will hold the position until August of next year.
00:19Speaking at the Durban Summit on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the region's natural endowments,
00:26including minerals, agricultural potential, renewable energy resources and a young workforce.
00:33He said infrastructure is vital to converting these endowments into industrial activity, jobs, trade and economic opportunity.
00:43The 16-member SADC promotes economic growth and development through cooperation, good governance and lasting security.
00:51It aims to promote the region as a competitive player in international relations and the world economy.
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