Sadc carrying forward goals of founding members

Dr Obert Mpofu

THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a unique bloc.

It is a symbol of what the former Frontline States held dear.

SADC was conceived from the vision of the founding fathers of our respective nations with the goal of a prosperous region.

Such aspirations have not yet faded away.

We are still fighting to ensure we achieve all our goals.

Key to all we aspire to achieve is maintaining the gains of our liberation, with SADC as a conduit for realising these ambitions.

SADC was born out of the desire to deepen ties from the political relations that existed at the time.

From the days of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference, the goal of advancing the cause of national political liberation within our region, as well as the yearning to rid ourselves of dependence on our former colonisers, have remained critical.

More than the politics of it, SADC is and has also been a crucial engine for driving the region’s economic prospects.

So much has been invested towards ensuring that the values of the founding fathers of SADC are maintained.

What most may have seemingly forgotten is that SADC was conceived by liberation movements.

It was a creation meant to ensure that the interests of our collective nations are never compromised.

Of course, it is only natural that our detractors would make every possible effort to impede our progress.

True to their modus operandi, there have been attempts to infiltrate this most important bloc and divide us along political lines.

Disunity is quite profitable to our detractors, and we should always be on
guard.

We have seen misguided elements in the opposition making frantic efforts to divert SADC’s attention towards a non-existent crisis.

There are those who want to gain notoriety through unscrupulous activities.

Failure lies at their doorstep.

It shall come to pass that those who are vindictive and harbour ill-will against their country of birth will be left behind.

Progression is one of the most desirable states of being.

For as long as one moves forward, even for an inch at a time, one makes progress.

As the SADC summit is now upon us, so much misinformation/disinformation is being spread as part of efforts to smear our image before our guests.

Some of our guests are already here.

In the past week, they have participated in the successful 7th SADC Industrialisation Week, which was officially opened by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa.

This is one of the few ways in which SADC has evolved.

Its focus is also inclined towards improving economic relations among member states, as well as creating viable economic opportunities for our entire region.

President Mnangagwa’s assumption of the SADC chairmanship provides a unique opportunity for Zimbabwe to impart some of the hard lessons it has picked up during the past two decades under the aggressive and illegal sanctions from the West.

It is safe to say that Zimbabwe’s resolve has been fortified by the harsh illegal sanctions it has endured.

Our SADC member states are well aware of our plight, hence they resolved to reserve October 25 each year as the Anti-Sanctions Day.

Such actions are testament to the uncompromising nature of our neighbours, as well as the unity we share.

Such acts are instrumental in driving our agenda forward and ensuring success.

There is no room for failure.

SADC continues forging ahead with its mandate with renewed vigour and a sense of purpose.

It is the responsibility of revolutionary parties in our region to act as the vanguard of this crucial tool that we require for driving our progress.

Going forward, it is crucial for future generations to be fully aware of the aims and goals of this organ.

We need to work towards building a common future.

Success lies at the end of this journey that we have endured together for so long.

 

 Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Secretary-General of ZANU PF. He writes in his personal capacity.