assignments as may be decided upon by the Chairperson of the Organ. Moreover, they shall liase with the SADC substructures responsible for the affairs of the Organ. 8.2 The role of the secretariat 8.2.1 Article 9 of the Protocol assigns to the SADC Secretariat the responsibility to provide secretariat services to the Organ. In view of this, the Secretariat shall assist both the Chairperson of the Organ and the committees, keeping records of meetings, assisting in policy development and monitoring the implementation of decisions. It shall also provide administrative backup to the functioning of the Organ. 8.3 The structure 8.3.1 Against this background and pursuant to Summit decision taken at its Extra-Ordinary Meeting held in Blantyre, Malawi, in January 2002, a new sub-structure called Department for Politics, Defence and Security is hereby established within the SADC Secretariat. A Chief Director, to report directly to the Executive Secretary, shall head this Department. (i) The Department shall comprise the following sub-divissions: (ii) Directorate for Politics and Diplomacy; (iii) Directorate for Defence and Security; and (iv) Strategic Analysis Unit, also responsible for the Situation Room. 48