Another day, another talkshop

Mmegi Editor | Wednesday August 20, 2014 11:08

From the noble objectives of national liberation as the Frontline States, to the reduction of their reliance on apartheid South Africa as the SADCC, to greater economic integration development as SADC, countries in the region appear progressive on the surface.

However, the multitudes of protocols and institutions, the frequency of summits and other meetings and the tomes of communiqués produced over the years since establishment in 1992 have not been reflected in actual movement within SADC.

The region was at its most proactive and industrious under the Frontline States banner where the common enemy was imperialism and the common goal, self-actualisation. Again, under the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference, the region coalesced against apartheid and in support of greater self-reliance.

It is under the current SADC that stasis appears to have set in. Nearly all protocols lie half-implemented, institutions inoperational, deadlines broken and objectives unmet. Even factoring in the long gestation periods associated with such agreements, key milestones such as a fully functional free trade area, customs union, common market and single currency are yet to be achieved. Trade within the SADC region remains heavily skewed towards a reliance on South Africa, while whatever gains have been made in removing tariffs have been driven by the Southern African Customs Union concessions. However, it is in its political mandate that SADC’s irrelevance has come shining through.

The regional bloc cemented its status as an Old Boys Club by dithering over the Zimbabwe socio-political and economic crisis of the last decade, turning a blind eye to similar election theft and denying blatant human rights’ abuses throughout the region. One particular member of the Old Boys Club has successfully brushed off the regional body’s frail efforts to hold him accountable for his actions, which include brazen electoral fraud, by using his considerable political guile and tact, while exploiting the solidarity of the Summit. This past weekend, he was anointed chairperson, effectively endorsing his previous actions and galvanising him for whatever he has in store next for his citizens.Our own President Khama, having previously swum against the tide in the Old Boys Club and having been ostracised for it, also appears to have thrown in the towel and accepted that the SADC Heads of State Summit will never change. After all “if you can’t beat them, join them”, goes the adage. And SADC has rewarded him with a Deputy Chairman’s role.

SADC, in its current state, is an affront to its citizens and all that is right, an anachronistic, patriarchal and patronising organ that – taking over from the former imperialists – is anchoring our underdevelopment. SADC’s departed founders, Seretse Khama, Julius Nyerere and Samora Machel must be turning in their graves at the desecration of their hard work.

                                                                                        Today’s thought

              “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

 

                                                                  - J.K. Rowling