Maputo: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) 32nd Heads of State Summit got underway in Maputo, Mozambique on Friday amid strong calls for the adoption of an all-inclusive plan to address infrastructure backlogs in the region.

President Jacob Zuma is among the 15 Heads of State attending. The United Republic of Tanzania will assume the chairpersonship of the Organ at this Summit.

South Africa is expected to report on its Chairpersonship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, a responsibility that includes mediation efforts in Zimbabwe and Madagascar.

The South Africa delegation included International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane, Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele and Justice Minister Jeff Radebe.

Friday’s summit was preceded by a meeting of ministers who debated the implementation of the infrastructure development master plan, regional integration and economic transformation.

Several participants in the meeting told SAnews that the discussions focused on strategies that would ensure the easy movement of goods and human capital within SADC countries. Their reports will be tabled for adoption by the Heads of State.

The summit is also expected to receive a report on the progress being made in Zimbabwe as that country prepares to debate a new constitution.

President Zuma, who was appointed by SADC as facilitator to the 2008 Global Political Agreement signed by Zimbabwean political leaders, this week acknowledged progress achieved by parties in the inclusive Government.