South Africa's Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, has expressed confidence in the candidacy of Swazi Chabalala for the presidency of the African Development Bank during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Minister Godongwana discussed the intricacies of the selection process and the efforts being made to secure support for the South African candidate. The Minister highlighted the importance of unity within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the strategic alliances being formed to ensure a SADC victory in the upcoming election. Minister Godongwana emphasized that the focus is on promoting a Southern African candidate and ensuring that the region is represented at the highest level of the African Development Bank. He mentioned that South Africa has been actively engaging with leaders across the continent to garner support for Swazi Chabalala's candidacy. The Minister expressed optimism about their chances and underscored the collaborative approach being taken within the SADC to achieve a common goal. Regarding the voting mechanism, Minister Godongwana revealed that manual voting would be preferred over electronic voting, citing the preference of the SADC delegates for traditional voting methods. The Minister's remarks shed light on the strategic planning and coordination underway to rally support for the South African candidate and navigate the complexities of the selection process. As the campaign for the African Development Bank presidency intensifies, Minister Godongwana's unwavering support for Swazi Chabalala exemplifies South Africa's commitment to advancing the interests of the region on the continental stage. The Minister's strategic approach and diplomatic efforts reflect a concerted push to enhance development funding and drive economic growth within the SADC nations. In conclusion, the nomination of Swazi Chabalala represents a pivotal moment for South Africa's engagement with the African Development Bank and signals a proactive stance in shaping the leadership of the institution. With a unified SADC strategy and a clear vision for advancing regional priorities, Minister Godongwana's leadership sets the stage for a dynamic and impactful presidency that aligns with the aspirations of the African continent.