Zuma to chair SADC troika

President Jacob Zuma has been appointed chairman of the SADC organ on politics, defence and security troika, his office said.

In a statement, Zuma said the country was honoured to lead the Southern African Development Community troika and would build on the good work done by the previous chair, Zambia.

"We are going to continue taking critical steps of creating conditions for peace, stability and good neighbourliness, as a prerequisite for regional economic integration," said Zuma

"We will continue to render whatever assistance and support necessary to the people of Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Lesotho, as well as to support the post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo]," said Zuma.

Southern African leaders met Wednesday for a two-day summit in Angola.

The summit opened amidst growing regional unrest and anti-government protests, and leadership crises in Zimbabwe and Madagascar.