The SADC over the years has become a common factor in the development of southern Africa nations.

Its influence in the southern Africa region is apparent through the ideals it has inspired of a better,
integrated economy between neighbouring member nations. Through its various efforts and strides
SADC Region has become one of the most stable and attractive Regional Economic Communities in
Africa. SADC has handled some of the political and security challenges in Member States well and has
been able to solve its own problems without much outside interference. This critical organ has been
able to achieve such milestones due to the core values that were instilled in the the institution during
its creation.

“The SADC Vision is to build a region in which there will be a high degree of
harmonisation and rationalisation, to enable the pooling of resources to
achieve collective self-reliance in order to improve the living standards of the
people of the region.” (1)

It is because of this vision that the SADC has been able to lead the southern African region closer
towards the ‘ideal’ Southern African Community. During the birth of the SADCC in 1980, this vision
was installed in this organisation and is being succeeded by the SADC today. The formulation of such a
vision was a role played by founders of the SADC.

The SADC was founded by 9 individuals, namely Presidents Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kenneth
Kaunda of Zambia, King Sobhuza II of Eswatini, Seretse Khama of Botswana, António Agostinho Neto
of Angola, Robert Gabriel Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Samora Machel of Mozambique, Dr Hastings Kamuzu
Banda of Malawi and King Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho.

The goal of regional integration is to establish a hub that will advance

the interests of all the member nations. As the conventional saying
goes, "there is strength in numbers."

The first president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, was known to have had a firm support for equality and
tolerance ranged across all diversity of race, religion, class and gender (3). His leadership has allowed
Tanzania play important roles in regional and international organisations. Tanzania enjoys good
relations with its neighbours in the region and in recent years has been an active participant in efforts
to promote the peaceful resolution of disputes. Tanzania is helping to broker peace talks to end
conflict in Burundi and supports the Lusaka agreement concerning the conflict in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo. In March 1996, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya revived discussion of economic
and regional cooperation. These talks culminated with the signing of an East African Cooperation
Treaty in September 1999, which should in time lead to economic integration through the
development of the East African Community. (4)

Zambia was one of the most vocal opponents to white minority rule and
colonialism. President Kenneth Kaunda, who held office 1964–1991, was a very
visible advocate of change in Southern Africa.(7)

Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of Zambia. He was a strong campaigner for African unity and
deeper regional integration, and in April 1980 hosted that historic summit in Lusaka that gave birth to
the establishment of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) – now
known as the Southern African Development Community (SADC)(5). A Pan African-ist at heart, he a
founding father of SADC and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) - forerunner of the African
Union (AU). In this way, he is honoured as a liberation struggle father, a visionary who personified the
real values of liberty, non-racism, democracy and the regional integration of Southern Africa. (6)

Botswana is host of the SADC secretariat. It is also the home of Sir Seretse Khama. He fought for a
world in which southern Africa was united. His longing for a region in which people had a mutual
understanding might have been a contributor to his role as a co-founder of the SADC.
 "We are convinced that there is justification for all the races that have been
brought together in this part of Africa, by the circumstances of history, to live
together in peace and harmony, for they have no other home but Southern
Africa. Here we will have to learn how to share aspirations and hopes as one
people, united by a common belief in the unity of the human race. Here rests
our past, our present, and, most importantly of all, our future." - Seretse
Khama (8)

He made outstanding contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle by assisting the liberation cause in
times of need and to the development of the African continent. Respected both within and beyond
Botswana, Seretse Khama did not shy away from speaking out on matters concerning other southern
African countries' battles. When nations such as Zambia and Zimbabwe battled for independence
from Britain, he worked tirelessly to obtain a political solution.

Malawi obtained independence from Britain in 1964, and Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda was appointed
as the country's first Prime Minister. In 1971 he proclaimed himself life president of the now republic
of Malawi.

Banda's administration was distinguished by his visionary leadership

and his iron fist clutch on power. (10)

While many southern African nations traded with apartheid-era South Africa out of economic
necessity, Malawi was the only African nation that recognised South Africa and established diplomatic
relations with it, including a trade treaty which angered other African leaders (11). After the apartheid
era ended and the ANC came to dominate South African politics during the 1990s, relations between
Malawi and South Africa threatened to take a downward turn. However, Malawian diplomats
arragend a meetin g with ANC diplomats in order smooth things. The relations between the two
governments continued to be cordial after it was revealed that Banda was secretly helping the ANC
during the apartheid era (9). Despite of the complications of his history, Kamuzu Banda will be
regarded as the father Malawi, as well as one of the founding members of the SADC.

Antonio Agostinho Neto, fondly honored by Angolans as the “Father of

Modern Angola” served as the first president of independent Angola. Not
only was he a remarkable politician, but Neto was also a noted physician
and famous poet - (12)

The first president of Mozambique — Samora Moises Machel – is a symbol of freedom not only in his
own country, but throughout southern Africa. Even after his own country attained liberty, he backed
the region's liberation from colonial rule.(17) “He unconditionally welcomed liberation fighters into
Mozambique and dedicated his life to the complete emancipation of southern Africa. He continues to
inspire us to build a society free of prejudice, racism, patriarchy and exploitation,” said Matamela
Cyril Ramaphosa.(17) Even in death, president Machel continues to inspire the vision/dream of a
region of peace and unity.

King Moshoeshoe II was a man who faced tempests of political instability. However, even through the
troubles, he stayed true to the ideals of peaceful change and refused to use his crown to divide his
people. The people of Lesotho continue to revere this great man for the humble, wise and calm
leadership he portrayed throughout a tempestuous time of political discord and strife. Therefore he is
acknowledged as one of Africa's outstanding traditional leaders who contributed to his country's
democratic evolution and as one of the SADC's founders.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe -[https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/robert-mugabe-elected-as-next-
leader-of-sadc/] was a revolutionary and politician from Zimbabwe. Mugabe's government had
pledged support for the African National Congress and other anti-apartheid forces within South Africa.
He also persuaded Angola and Namibia to commit troops to the conflict. As the leader of one of the
Front Line States, the countries bordering apartheid South Africa, he gained credibility within the anti-
apartheid movement.(16)

Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda and Sir Seretse Khama, sacrificed the economic freedom
of their countries to ensure that the rest of the region achieved political independence. Apart from
being co-founders of the SADC, their vision also greatly contributed to the founding of the ‘Frontline
States’ - a loose coalition of African countries that were devoted to the abolition of apartheid and
white minority rule in South Africa and Rhodesia; the forerunner of the SADC, which was conceived
alongside H.E. Samora Moises Machel of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Dr Agostinho Neto of the
Republic of Angola in the early 1970s to lead the liberation struggle for Southern Africa.(6)

The SADC was founded on a memorandum of understanding. For twelve years, it went by the name
“Southern African Development Coordination Conference.” It was initially perceived, particularly in
light of substantial shortcomings in the region's transportation and communications infrastructure,
worsened by South African aggression and instability, that they needed to be able to be independent.
The saw benefits foresaw that this independence would lead to improved livelihoods of their member
citizens and put pressure on the south African apartheid regime.

It should be recalled that in addition to the objective of reducing dependence on South

Africa and other extra-regional forces, SADCC also aims at "the forging of links to create
a genuine and equitable regional integration". It is noteworthy that such an objective
can hardly be achieved through mechanisms of loose coordination alone...

On 17 August 1992 the Summit meeting of SADCC adopted three important documents
intended to transform the organisation from a fairly loose assemblage of like-minded
states into a firmer and better instrument for regional integration... The name of the
organisation was also changed to Southern African Development Community (SADC). -
(13)

For several decades, continental and inter-regional cooperation and integration attempts have been
actively in practice. Theory, data and statistics have shown that such collaboration can benefit
infrastructure development and economic development across countries and regions. The SADC is
one attempt particular to the Africa’s Southern region. Thought is has be been a place a little over 40
years, it has altered its its approach to regional integrations from a project-based one to [//come
back].

In their approach to regional integration, the heads of state at the time recognised how their
relatively newly independent nations heavily relied on imports for non-agricultural goods not only
from apartheid RSA but also from extra-continental nations. This was particularly due to the heavy
reliance on them from the world powers for primary sector exports region at the time. (It means most
of the industry in the region was in the primary sector). This conveyed the nations toward the project-
based approach of regional integration. This approach to regional cooperation, was to be balanced so
as to offer mutual benefits. A decentralised structure was adopted under which each member state
was allocated different sectors. The projects remained property of the Member State(s) and regional
projects were defined in
terms of the common benefit they yielded to more than one country.(19)

With a common objective of regional integration and reduced dependence on apartheid South Africa
and imported consumer, intermediate and capital goods, nine nations were able to come to a mutual
trust and understanding enabling the coordination of their economies. The region determined that
cooperation in infrastructure projects should take precedence. Later, the emphasis switched from
specific projects to the coordination of sectoral plans and programs, and also from infrastructure
development to measures to promote investment and productivity. This sector coordination strategy
emphasised the value of developing collective self-reliance, trust, and confidence, and it was on this
foundation that the organisation would develop throughout time. All of this was considered as not
just a step toward dependency reduction, but also as laying the groundwork for genuine and
equitable integration. Functional collaboration would provide benefits in itself, foster collaborative
experience, and build a feeling of regional identity, all of which would support a progressive
integration program.(14)

This strategy served a great purpose of of giving it member nations common ground on which the
could relate. By collaborating, they were able to coordinate, communicate and understand each other.
After twelve years has passed and Apartheid South Africa was no more, these member nations
realised benefits of a unified regional economy and sought to continue their coordinated efforts
toward regional and economic integration by solidifying their original memorandum. This may not
have at all been possible if the the nations had not developed ties with each other under this model.

Germany and Poland is a situation where integration has improved relations between countries.
Despite having a shared border for more than a thousand years, ties between Poland and Germany
were frequently tense and conflict-ridden. But these two countries were able to mend their ties. The
process of reconciliation between Germany and Poland started in 1965, notwithstanding the Cold
War and the separation of the European continent following 1945. Poland joined the European Union
in 2004; today, Germany and Poland are allies and partners in the organization. The degree of
integration that the European Union offers has brought about benefits both nations. (20)

The relationship between Germany and Poland is a good example for the SADC region because it
shows how rivalry and hostility can be overcome and replaced with a relationship that is mutually
beneficial, based on shared values, distinguished by equality and respect for one another, and
strengthened by economic cooperation and cultural exchange. (20)

The case study of Malawi showcases how Malawi was able to reaffirm their relationships with African
nations after their fallout during Dr. Hasting Kamuzu Banda’s time in in office. Malawi was shunned by
other African nations due to their refusal to comply with the U.N. economic sanctions against
Rhodesia and entering a formal trade agreement with apartheid South Africa.(11) It was later able to
smooth thing over with its regional counterparts and now enjoys friendly relations in the SADC.

South Africa has become a major player on the world stage after escaping the isolation of the
apartheid era. Today, RSA has positive relations with its member states thanks to the SADC. During its
establishment one of its main objectives was to free apartheid RSA and it worth noting that it was a
successful venture. This is notable as one of the institutions greatest achievements. Since then, RSA's
relations with the rest of the globe have only improved. The creation of this institution helped to
transition the area from a time of conflict and antipathy to one of peace, security, and stability, all of
which are necessary conditions for cooperation and progress. Therefore, it can be inferred that SADC
played a significant role in improving RSA's social standing globally.

A system that functions well will do so because of well set principles and police put in place. Policies
put in writing what is expected in terms of the behaviour, processes, and actions that will be taken in
specific scenarios. For the successful implementations of the regional integrations model the SADC
has in place, the member states and its citizens will need to be governed but certain principles and
policies.

Member states of the SADC are expected to conform to certain principles, these principles being:
sovereign equality of all member states; solidarity, peace and security; human rights, democracy, and
the rule of law; equity, balance and mutual benefit; and peaceful settlement of disputes. These
principles underscore the vision of the SADC and I think the on the most important one is the
principle of mutual benefit, balance and equity.

When carefully implemented, forming strategic collaborations can lead to enormous growth not just
for an individual nation but for the region as a whole. Failure to manage this principle could lead to
some nations suffering more from regional integration than gaining from it. It is common practice for
the existence of reduced tariffs on goods from common member states, this has it benefits, but has
the risk of becoming a disadvantage. If we create a hypothetical nation A , whose products are of a
lower standard than the goods from its neighbouring nation B and both are members of a integrated
region we can better understand the implications. Nation a will struggle selling its goods not only to
external nations such as be but also to its own member citizens. These citizens will opt for a better
quality and affordable product, this in turn will most likely lead to nation A importing more from the
integrated region than exporting which would lead to an economic crisis. The nations foreign
exchange reserves will dry out, making it difficult for the nation to import other necessary good.

If the integrations are implemented with the idea of mutual benefit in mind, this situation can be
easily avoided. Such a nation could get support and direction from the SADC in order to put it on a
same footing with other members.

“Reclaiming SADC for people development - SADC Resources for SADC people” - 2014 SADC
People’s Summit, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

‘The People’ should play major role in regional integration. ‘The people’ is the common mass
population of the region; all the people not directly associated with the SADC; those residing in SADC
member states. The SADC has been holding summits for decades and yet most individuals,
particularly the youth and rural residents pay little to no attentions to them. Leaders and officials of
member states meet every year to discuss the future of people who don’t know what is happening.
The public should aim to be involved with the SADC. By being more involved, as an individual you gain
insider information about what's going on in your sector and in your larger region. Participation also
provides the community with a voice in the development of regional policies, plans, and agendas.

An instance of the people trying to get more involved is The SADC People’s Summit. The SADC
People’s Summit is a forum of civil society organizations and social movements from Southern Africa
region that meet, alongside/parallel to the SADC Heads of states Summits under the banner
“Reclaiming SADC for People’s Solidarity and Development”. (18)

“We must go to the SADC summit and say to the Heads of state that, you do not represent our
interest.” Dr. Boniface Mabanza quoting Trevor Ngwane in a Youtube video (15)

However this is not the only way toward community involvement. Member citizens can also seek to
strengthen social and cultural understanding. Strengthening cultural and social links is an excellent
strategy to strengthen international relations. They facilitate goods export and import and increase
people's understanding of different cultures. Cultural exchange can assist a country's population
participate in policy making by strengthening their sense of its own culture. It will also aid in the
formation of bridges of understanding between individuals of different cultures. Cultural
understanding will benefit countries who want to thrive economically.

Cultures can be exchanged through various means: art, music, history, literary works... To achieve
cultural understanding, communities must simply share any of these mediums of expression between
each other. By targeting other nations with their artistic expressions, communities are able to
exchange cultures and common to better understand each other. This will strengthen cultural ties and
benefit regional integration as well.

As integration improves nations will tend to associate more with each other. This will lead to the
permeation of cultures between boarders. As member citizens will interact with other cross boarder
member citizens they will play a critical role in fostering positive relations between states. To achieve
this, the people have to be willing to understand and be accepting of other cultures and customs of
their neighbour citizens. Regional integration can hardly be achieve if relations between the citizens
of the member states are shaky.
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7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Zambia

8. Seretse Khama, first president of Botswana, speech at the national stadium on the 10th
anniversary of independence in 1976. As quoted in Thomas Tlou, Neil Parsons and Willie
Henderson's Seretse Khama 1921-80, Macmillan 1995.

9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hastings_Banda

10. https://dyv-network.com/index.php/2020/05/05/hastings-kamuzu-banda-by-lucy-kumwenda/

11. Malawi: Heroes or Neros?". Time. 14 April 1967. Archived from the original on 15 December 200

12. https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/agostinho-neto-1922-1979/

13. [Bertil Odén (ed.): Southern Africa after apartheid. Regional integration and external resources.
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11/Declaration__Treaty_of_SADC_0.pdf

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21. E//