Malawi’s Former President Dr. Joyce Banda has made it clear that countries in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) shall never be free until and unless they attain economic freedom.
She believes this has not been achieved; stressing there must be an honest conversation on these issues.
Dr. Banda made the strong statement at the Sandton Convention Centre on the invitation of University of Johannesburg in South Africa on Thursday where she delivered a keynote speech on the Commemoration of 30 Years of the SADC existence.
“My view is that SADC needs to look at where we have come from. The vision of our founding fathers who wanted to see a liberated Southern Africa from colonialists and apartheid, how we have evolved from SADC to the SADC of today.
“Our plans of the past 15 years to achieve a common market and even a common currency remains a wild dream. As we examine where we are today, we should then draw our roadmap going forward,” said Banda.
She questions how nations can standby and see their citizens without hope, opportunities and while struggling to find their next meal.
The former president, who is a renowned global champion of women and girls empowerment, further challenged economies to have women sitting at the policy formulating tables.
Added Banda: “What role are women playing at regional level? Are we sitting at the policy formulating table. SADC has great achievements to show in the 30 years.”
