07/05/2026
The Africa Zone VI Regional Anti-Doping Organization (Africa Zone VI RADO was established by National Olympic Committee and Government representatives from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe with the assistance of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on 2-3 May 2006 in Maputo, Mozambique. In 2013, the Republic of Ghana, from West Africa, was admitted into the membership of the Africa Zone VI RADO comprising Southern African nations, to assist the country in the implementation of anti-doping programs.
During this month of May 2026, the Africa Zone VI RADO is proud to mark 20th anniversary. The Africa Zone VI RADO has, in partnership with the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone VI, collaborated on many projects and programs for the benefit of sport in Southern Africa. Of great importance in the tripartite partnership, has been the delivery of the education and testing programs at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games as follows:
2012- Lusaka (Zambia)
2014- Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
2016- Luanda (Angola)
2018- Gaborone (Botswana)
2021- Maseru, Lesotho
2022- Lilongwe (Malawi)
2025- Windhoek & Swakopmund (Namibia)
It is, therefore, more than an alignment of purposes and events, that the 20th Anniversary of the Africa Zone VI RADO takes the organization back to the country of its birth on the occasions of the 2026 Member Country Representatives (MCRs) Meeting to be held on `18-19 November 2026 as well as the 2026 AUSC Region 5 Youth Games to be held in December 2026.
For the past two decades, Africa Zone VI RADO has stood as the lead agency and vigilant guardian of Clean Sport across our region. What began as a commitment to the principles of fair play has grown into a mature, respected, and essential institution in the global anti-doping movement.
Over these 20 years, massive collaborative effort led by the Africa Zone VI RADO has;
helped to protect the rights of countless clean athletes, ensuring their victories are earned through dedication, not deception.
with the assistance of the WADA and other partners, evolved with science – embracing new research, testing methods, and intelligence-led approaches to stay ahead of those who would cheat.
built a culture of integrity, not just through testing, but through education, prevention, and unwavering partnership with Governments, National Olympic Committees/ National Anti-Doping Organizations, regional confederations and national sports federations.
The Africa Zone VI RADO is a symbol of and testament to the resilience and professionalism of every person who has contributed to this mission – from the anti-doping educators, sample collection personnel and sport leadership in the various countries shaping the mindset of the next generation of athletes.
The Africa Zone VI RADO and its various partners are painfully aware and do recognize that the fight is far from over. New threats will emerge. Resources, both human and financial, will be challenged. But if these 20 years have taught us anything, it is that Southern Africa possesses a resolute as well as unique collective will, expertise, and unity to confront them.
As the Africa Zone VI RADO celebrates this milestone, it is aware of the responsibilities that is has, to establish a vibrant Clean Sport and learning community in the region. The work of the tripartite of partners, of the Africa Zone RADO, AUSC Region 5 and ANOCA Zone VI ensures that, during the pursuit of sporting excellence, when athlete from a member country stands on the podium, the world can truly believe in that moment.
The Africa is excited about the next 20 years – and to the clean, fair, and ethical sporting competition we will continue to defend together.
Clean Sport- It starts with you!