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CHAPTER 1 SADCC 1980-1992

SOUTHERN AFRICA TOWARD ECONOMIC LIBERATION

“We need to gain mastery of our own destiny... and we can only succeed
within the framework of a united Southern African community. I am not
calling for the dismantlement of our independent states... I am calling for
cooperation and unity of purpose so that we can together plan for our
future and the future of our children. . .”
President Sir Seretse Khama opening SADCC conception conference in Arusha, 2 July 1979

“Today, in a historic Summit meeting, leaders and representatives of the nine
independent countries of Southern Africa, made a joint declaration of their
strategy for a closer integration of their economies.”
Communiqué of first SADCC Summit, hosted by President Dr Kenneth Kaunda in Lusaka, 1 April 1980 9

“SADCC is our major instrument for self-reliant development in this part
of Africa.”
President Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere opening 6th SADCC Summit in Arusha, 9 August 1985

1.1 Introduction: The Situation at the Time, Southern Africa in 1980
The Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) was born in conflict and
it is not an overstatement to say that SADCC and its members brought peace to Southern Africa,
its greatest achievement. But the visionary leaders who created SADCC were already articulating
the next goal, even as the region was negotiating peace, they were thinking ahead.
Three leaders of the Frontline States of Botswana, Zambia and United Republic of Tanzania
expanded their number to five through their courage and determination to support the liberation
and independence of Angola and Mozambique, and the four leaders of the other independent
countries further south were invited to join them in planning the future of the region.