The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans of South Africa, Angie Motshekga, hosted her counterpart, the Minister of National Defence of Mozambique, Cristóvão Chume, for a high-level bilateral meeting in Pretoria from 17 to 19 June 2026. The three-day engagement served to strengthen defence relations anchored in a shared history of solidarity and mutual sacrifice dating back to the liberation struggle, when Mozambique provided unwavering support and refuge to South African liberation movements.
During the discussions, both ministers emphasized that peace and stability in Southern Africa are interdependent, noting that the security of both nations remains intrinsically linked. They paid tribute to the courage of the military personnel from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Armed Forces of Defence of Mozambique (FADM) who served side by side under the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
To counter emerging regional security threats, the ministers agreed to a series of key operational outcomes aimed at defence modernization and enhanced tactical readiness. The SANDF and FADM will expand joint exercises, officer exchanges, closer coordination between intelligence structures and capacity building in counter-terrorism and maritime security. Furthermore, the nations committed to working closely to secure the strategic Mozambique Channel by revitalizing the 2011 trilateral maritime security agreement between South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania while continuing active deployments under Operation Copper. Both sides also agreed to explore joint opportunities in maintenance, logistics and technology transfer to bolster operational readiness and stimulate regional defence industrial growth.
The meeting concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of SADC’s vision for a peaceful and secure region. Minister Motshekga expressed gratitude for Mozambique’s enduring friendship, while Minister Chume thanked South Africa for its solidarity and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. The ministers agreed to maintain regular consultations, scheduling their next bilateral defence meeting to take place in Maputo.
