Socio-economic crisis grips SADC � Churches

Zolani Kraai | Thursday August 13, 2015 14:49

Speaking at the 11th Southern Africa Civil Society Forum yesterday, Botswana Council of Churches (BCC) executive secretary, Reverend Simane Mosweu urged civil society to brainstorm on how to tackle such challenges in the region.

“It is critical for us in forums like this to debate on issues that affect our respective communities and we need to engage our SADC leaders critically,” Simane said.

“Peace and security remain a challenge in the SADC region and thus it is essential for the SADC community to engage more and strengthen solidarity.”

Simane said non-state actors could also be engaged in the regional fight against poverty, noting that some countries such as Botswana had made strides to fight the challenge. 

He added that climate change was also an emerging crisis within the region as its effects on food security were already visible.

“SADC member states must come up with policies to address climate change challenges,” he said.

“The need for renewal energy is not an option but an imperative. Those countries that have ample resources should be called upon to assist.” On unemployment within the region, Simane said the situation had worsened after the 2008 global financial crisis.

“African economies and our youth were not spared the negative effects of the economic meltdown.  “In addition, a significant proportion of our young working population is involved in the informal sector of our economies, thus making them more vulnerable to exploitation,” he said.