South Africa must lead SADC reform agenda

16 August 2024

South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) represents renewed hope for regional accountability. Section 11.9 of the GNU’s statement of intent mandates that South Africa’s foreign policy be based on human rights and constitutionalism. As such, our national leaders are now duty bound to take active measures to uphold and advance human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Attending the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit this weekend, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lamola must lead the charge in pushing for crucial reforms within the SADC. This must begin with the urgent re-establishment of the SADC Tribunal - including measures to enhance the tribunal's independence, strengthen its jurisdiction, and ensure compliance with its decisions.

The relatively weak SADC Secretariat - the organisation’s administrative arm – must also be strengthened. For too long the Secretariat’s powers have been limited, and it has lacked the authority to make critical decisions, facing stark resistance from member states when it attempts to deliver on its mandate. Here, the SADC's consensus-based approach to decision-making, which leads to delays and gridlock, must be urgently revised.

Given the democratic backslide occurring in many parts of the region, it is now urgent that the SADC explore alternative decision-making mechanisms, such as implementing a weighted voting system that assigns greater influence to larger and more populous member states.

Lastly, the current troika system, particularly the "double troika" - a committee to steer and provide member states with direction regarding matters threatening peace, security and stability - requires thorough reform to eliminate Stalingrad tactics by individual member states facing scrutiny.

Until political leaders are willing to speak out against the suppression of democratic freedoms, and advance regional mechanisms to uphold the rule of law, the SADC will remain nothing but a talk shop, and with it the dream of a democratic, prosperous and economically competitive continent will remain elusive.

Issued by Emma Powell, DA Spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation, 16 August 2024