Cape Town – Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia is committed to working with South Africa and other Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member states to ensure the bloc supports the industrialisation goals of its member economies.
Speaking on the future of the customs union, Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the decision taken by heads of state at the 9th SACU Summit, held in Cape Town on 26 June, to accelerate the implementation of the Reimagining SACU agenda.
“Namibia welcomes the decision by our heads of state at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town on 26 June to accelerate the conclusion of the Reimagining SACU agenda,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the initiative should not be viewed merely as a technical process for government officials, but as a crucial step towards ensuring the customs union remains capable of protecting member states from an increasingly unpredictable global trading environment.
WATCH | Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says, “Namibia looks forward to working with South Africa and the rest of SACU member states to ensure that reimagining SACU serves the industrialisation aspirations of our economies.” pic.twitter.com/3EpfkTx6Wd
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 17, 2026
“Namibia looks forward to working with South Africa and the rest of SACU member states to ensure that Reimagining SACU serves the industrialisation aspirations of our economies,” she said.
The Namibian president also noted that the region was facing growing global challenges, including unilateral tariffs, conflict in the Middle East and instability affecting parts of Africa.
She said these developments were placing increasing pressure on the international rules-based order, adding that international law and the United Nations Charter needed to be strengthened.
Addressing broader regional issues, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to managing migration through lawful and cooperative measures.
“Migration remains a shared continental challenge requiring shared continental solutions,” Ramaphosa said.
He said South Africa would continue to enforce its immigration laws “fairly, firmly and consistently”, while upholding the country’s constitutional values and respect for human dignity.
Ramaphosa added that sustained dialogue, stronger border cooperation, orderly labour mobility and inclusive economic development were essential to addressing migration pressures across the continent.
He acknowledged that South Africa was not alone in facing migration challenges, noting that several countries in the region were grappling with similar issues.
WATCH | President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah that South Africa remains committed to enforcing its immigration laws fairly and firmly while addressing migration challenges through regional cooperation. pic.twitter.com/r9d5lYmKSO
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 17, 2026
The President also underscored the longstanding relationship between South Africa and Namibia, saying both countries had a responsibility to strengthen their partnership for future generations.
“It is therefore my great honour to declare the fourth session of the South Africa-Namibia Binational Commission officially open,” Ramaphosa said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/ @NkosinathiShazi
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
