Sadc remains beacon of hope

THE Southern African Development Community (Sadc) remains a beacon of hope in a world ravaged by strife, war, economic recession and a global pandemic that is threatening to decimate humanity at a frightening pace.

True to its founding ethos to further regional socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as political and security solidarity among its 16 member states, the bloc has managed to keep the region united, peaceful and economically sound despite various challenges confronting countries around the world.

Just like its forerunner, the Frontline States, which was formed in 1980 to tackle political and security challenges affecting the region, modern-day Sadc has its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security which has been pivotal in quelling the plethora of security related problems which have flared up over the years.

The Southern African Development Coordination Conference (Sadcc), the forerunner of the socio-economic cooperation leg of today’s Sadc, also did its part to further economic integration prior to the formation of Sadc on 17 August 1992. As a bloc, the regional body has presided over the political transition in member states from white minority rule to democratic black majority governments, playing a major role in the decimation of the last bastions of white supremacist dominions in Namibia (1990) and South Africa (1994).

In most Sadc nations, founding fathers have largely given way to a crop of new leaders of the parties of independence but the guiding principles remain in place while the basic tenets informing the formation of these revolutionary movements still coarse through their body politic, ensuring that they do not veer from the correct path and steer clear of predatory neo-colonialists intent on infiltrating them.

In Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Angola, the foundation laid by the liberation movements of Zanu-PF, BDP, Frelimo, Swapo, Chama cha Mapinduzi and MPLA respectively, holds strong to this day with the parties firmly in control of their countries.

This has ensured that the values, ethos and principles that guided the prosecution of the liberation struggle remain firmly entrenched in their body politic while protecting the gains of Uhuru, their territorial integrities and sovereignty.

In the new world order, it is important that Sadc positions itself strategically and remains steadfast in maintaining its foundational values.

At its 41st Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Malawi last week, Sadc displayed the sort of solidarity and unity that has ensured that it maintains peace and political stability in the region.

It also sent a loud and clear message to the world that it is capable of presiding over its affairs without the need for external interference.

The communiqué released at the end of the summit reiterated long standing calls for the unconditional lifting of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and urged the world to support reforms that are currently underway.

It also commended President Mnangagwa for helping maintain peace and security in the region.

“Summit reiterated its call for the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe and support for Zimbabwe in the ongoing socio-economic strengthening efforts,” read part of the communiqué.

In her address to the summit, Sadc immediate-past Executive Secretary, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, said whenever the regional bloc proclaims its position in unity, just as it did during the years of the struggle for liberation in Southern Africa, the world listens.

On peace and security in the region, the summit commended member states for deploying troops to deal with the insurgency in northern Mozambique where terrorists recently killed 2 500 people and displaced over 800 000 in Cabo Delgado.

Zimbabwe will contribute 304 specialist instructors to the Sadc Mission in Mozambique while South Africa (1 495), Botswana (300), Lesotho (125) and Angola (25) already have boots on the ground.

To help co-ordinate efforts to monitor security threats that might possibly destabilise the region, Tanzania has agreed to host the regional the Regional Counter Terrorism Centre which will offer dedicated and strategic advisory services to the region on terrorism threats.

At the summit, President Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to brief his counterparts on the country’s Covid-19 vaccine roll out programme — one of the best in the region.

He said Government had acquired 12,5 million doses, roped in additional medical personnel to administer the vaccines and all private sector participation in the exercise to complement public health institutions as a way of improving convenience to the inoculating public.

Elsewhere, Sadc is championing a robust industrialisation strategy premised on competitiveness and regional integration as enunciated in its 10 year blueprint, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development (RISDP).

Sadc remains an oasis of peace save for the dissipating insurgency in Mozambique which has largely been contained and might soon be completely neutralised following the deployment of regional troops.

While a lot of work still needs to be done to enhance regional trade and economic integration, member states have pledged to expedite the various protocols and treaties required to achieve this goal.

In the meantime, the region must urgently deal with the present threat of Covid-19 and we are glad that vaccination programmes are being ramped up across Sadc.

The pandemic is an impediment to economic growth in addition to decimating populations. Be that as it may, Sadc is in a strong position to rise from the ashes of Covid-19 and take a commanding lead compared to other regions in terms of economic growth.