SADC Peace Support Training Strengthens Regional Integration Through Civilian Empowerment

By Chiyedzo Josiah Dimbo

HARARE – A defining moment for regional cooperation and peacebuilding unfolded this week, as the SADC Civilian Foundation Course in Peace Support Operations officially concluded at the SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre (RPTC) in Harare, Zimbabwe.

More than just a course, this two-week initiative was a living demonstration of Southern Africa’s collective will to advance peace, security, and integration through the empowerment of civilian actors in peace support operations. With participants from eight SADC member states, the program reaffirmed that regional unity is not just political—it is human, practical, and deeply necessary.

“True regional integration begins when our peacekeepers, civilians, and institutions learn, lead, and heal together.”

Building Peace Through Regional Unity

As the SADC region continues to navigate the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction, migration pressures, political transitions, and transnational threats, the importance of collaborative peacebuilding infrastructure cannot be overstated. The RPTC’s mission—to train and prepare both civilian and military personnel for peace support operations—remains one of the most strategic tools for regional integration.

Colonel Coleen Mafika, Acting Commandant of the RPTC, underscored the training centre’s critical role:
“The aim of this course was to build capacities for the civilian component with the view to prepare them for future peace support operations.”

This investment in human capital and regional interoperability is precisely what ensures the SADC region can act as one—when peace is threatened, and unity is tested.

Advancing Gender Equity in Peacekeeping

One of the most inspiring aspects of this cohort was the notable presence of women, with 16 of the 31 participants being female. This directly reflects the RPTC’s and SADC’s unwavering commitment to gender balance and inclusion in peace operations.

Commissioner Happiness Francis, one of the participants, offered a powerful reflection:
“As a woman, the past two weeks have been fulfilling and inspiring. I learnt a lot from my colleagues in the SADC region and the dynamics of peacekeeping in a technologically advanced world. I am confident what I have learnt here, I will be able to implement back home.”

Her words are more than testimony—they are a declaration that women are central to peace, not just participants in it.
The Heart of Peace is in the Community

Guest of Honour, His Excellency Mr Michel Kama Mipwele, Chargé D’Affaires of the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Zimbabwe, urged the graduates to become servant leaders of peace, grounded in empathy and cultural sensitivity.
“You must listen deeply and emphatically to the voices of those you serve. Every community has its unique history, challenges and aspirations. By respecting these perspectives, you will gain trust and collaboration essential for effective mandate implementation.” said His Excellency

This wisdom strikes at the very soul of peacekeeping: it is not enough to monitor peace—we must co-create it with those affected.

A Step Toward a Peaceful, Integrated Southern Africa

Lieutenant Godknows Vakayi, also among the graduates, emphasized how the training prepared them for the real-world complexities of modern peace operations:
“Most of our missions are in deteriorating political and security environments. Hence the need to be prepared to handle complex situations.”noted Vakayi

Such preparation is essential, not only for mission success but for the larger SADC vision of regional peace and prosperity.
“Peace must no longer be treated as a national aspiration—it must be nurtured as a regional standard.”

Conclusion: Integration Through Peace

The success of this training is not measured only in certificates issued—but in the unbreakable bonds formed across borders, the shared wisdom exchanged, and the commitment made to serve with honor, dignity, and heart.

As Southern Africa moves forward, one thing is clear: regional integration is only possible when peace is seen as our common project, and not just our individual priority.

This course has laid a brick in the foundation of a United, Secure, and Integrated SADC—and that is a future worth building.
“The strength of a region lies not in its treaties, but in its people working together for peace.”