SA gets SADC security seat
SA officially takes over the reigns of the SADC politics, defence and security chair today. With no disrespect to Lesotho, this should aid the implementation of some wider African policy initiatives, and perhaps policies close to Mbeki's heart (such as NEPAD). The SADC chair adds more bargaining power in African affairs and gives SA the vehicle to continue to shape Sub-Saharan politics.

It was with some interest that I learnt that the decision to rotate the chair annually was only taken last year, of which, since 1990, Mugabe had control. How did Mugabe managed to secure that position in the first place (assistance, blogosphere?), and how come this deranged dictator was only told to relinquish the post in 2003?