The event brought together members of the CCARDESA Secretariat, the Executive Committee (EXCO), a Board member, and a representative from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to reflect on Prof. Dlamini's leadership, achievements, and enduring legacy. The ceremony featured staff reflections, the presentation of a farewell gift, remarks from the Executive Committee, messages from SADC, and a response from the outgoing Executive Director. It also marked the formal handover of the institution through comprehensive handover notes prepared to guide the incoming leadership.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mr. Duncan Samikwa, who also serves as a member of the CCARDESA Board of Directors, commended Prof. Dlamini for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural research and innovation across the region.
"Prof. Dlamini's leadership has strengthened CCARDESA's position as a key regional institution supporting agricultural transformation in Southern Africa. His contribution has gone beyond program implementation; he has helped shape partnerships, strengthened institutional systems, and positioned the Center to respond to emerging regional priorities," said Mr. Samikwa.
Staff members shared heartfelt reflections, describing Prof. Dlamini as an inspiring leader, mentor, and champion of teamwork whose strategic vision, humility, and open-door leadership style fostered a culture of excellence and collaboration within the Secretariat.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretariat, the newly appointed Acting Executive Director, Mr. Dagmore Tawonezwi, expressed sincere appreciation to Prof. Dlamini for his dedicated service and transformational leadership over the years. He thanked him for laying a strong institutional foundation that has positioned CCARDESA as a respected regional centre of excellence and wished him every success as he embarks on a new chapter in his career. Mr. Tawonezwi then presented a commemorative farewell gift to Prof. Dlamini on behalf of the Secretariat as a token of appreciation for his outstanding leadership and lasting contribution to the organization.
Under Prof. Dlamini's leadership, CCARDESA consolidated its role as the SADC subsidiary organisation mandated to coordinate agricultural research and development across the region. The Center expanded strategic partnerships, mobilized significant program investments, strengthened institutional systems, and spearheaded regional initiatives on climate-smart agriculture, food systems resilience, knowledge management, agroecology, soil health, and digital agriculture. These achievements are reflected in the Executive Director's handover notes, which outline the Centre's strategic direction, ongoing programmes and future priorities.
Receiving the commemorative gift, Prof. Dlamini expressed his gratitude to the Board, management, staff, Member States, and development partners for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.
"Serving CCARDESA has been both an honor and a privilege. The achievements we celebrate today are not mine alone; they are the result of a dedicated team, a supportive Board, committed Member States, and valued development partners. I leave with confidence that the organization will continue to grow and make an even greater impact across the SADC region," he said.
The ceremony concluded with refreshments and fellowship, providing colleagues an opportunity to celebrate Prof. Dlamini's remarkable journey and wish him well as he pursues new career opportunities.
The farewell was more than a celebration of one leader's accomplishments, and it also reaffirmed CCARDESA's commitment to continuity, institutional excellence, and its mandate to coordinate agricultural research and innovation for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems across Southern Africa.
