SADC talks bridges while borders burn with xenophobia claims
Opinion says SADC's sum ability to spew hot air has achieved nothing since 1981 Frontline States failed to reduce Pretoria's reliance.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) continues to advocate for an integrated and cooperative region, despite its numerous shortcomings. Established in 1981, the organization was intended to reduce South Africa's dependence on "apartheid South Africa," but instead, it has led to increased reliance on Pretoria. The SADC’s promise of integrated borders and bridges to facilitate trade and cooperation remains a distant dream, as neighboring countries often view South Africa with suspicion, particularly after thousands of their citizens were expelled following protests in 2015.
This sentiment is partly due to the fact that SADC's leadership, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC), has ignored immigration control for decades.
South Africa's deteriorating infrastructure, including its rail and port systems, poses significant challenges to economic integration within the region. As neighboring nations like Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania have already recognized the need for alternative trade routes through their ports, South Africa risks falling further behind.
The SADC, which often functions as a forum for retired revolutionaries to display their camaraderie, has yet to deliver on its promise of a truly united and prosperous Southern Africa. While economic disparities persist among its members, the organization remains focused on a dream of rivaling the more successful European Union (EU) despite the evident barriers and discontent among its neighbors.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
