George Sanzila
The Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC) has formalised its partnership with the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) by signing an agreement at the conclusion of the former’s board meeting that was held in Windhoek from 30 to 31 October 2023.
The agreement was signed by SADC-PF secretary general Boemo Sekgoma and SARDC executive director Munetsi Madakufamba, who both pledged to collaborate more to enhance development in the SADC region.
SARDC produces research and information that aids development policies in southern Africa, focusing on the 15 SADC member states, in partnership with several research institutes that make up the body.
Regional research initiatives range from infrastructure, energy, industrialisation, water resources, gender and issues relating to environment and climate.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Prof. Peter Katjavivi, who is also the chairperson of SARDC, reiterated the importance of the partnership.
He noted that a formal collaboration between the SARDC and SADC as the executive arm of the region has already been established with the SADC-PF, which is a regional parliament, having been the only missing link.
“We have already signed an agreement with the SADC Secretariat, and it was important that we sign with the SADC-PF as a regional parliament to collaborate formally and ensure there are enough resources for the forum to continue to perform its function,” he added.
It was the first time that the board was meeting physically since 2019 due to restrictions imposed by Covid-19. Among the issues that enjoyed priority during the meeting were climate change, water and youth unemployment.
Katjavivi further revealed there were currently board member openings, and that the organisation was considering including young people as part of the board.
Although the organisation has made progress as a go-to centre for informed research within the SADC region, many challenges continue to affect its operations.
“It is not a secret that current geo-political issues continue to impact on the well-being of most organisations around the world. Starting with the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021, we have witnessed a shift in funding priorities for most donors. The situation has worsened since 2022, following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has seen most traditional donors moving their support towards supporting Ukraine,” bemoaned Katjavivi.
SARDC, which has a rich historical archive that is being digitised for online access, is based at the Julius K. Nyerere House in Harare, Zimbabwe, and it works throughout the member states of SADC.
Board members are drawn from various countries and disciplines in the SADC region, and it has over 35 staff members who make up the Secretariat.
Two board members, Chazile Magongo from Eswatini and Remmy Makumbe from Zimbabwe, were introduced as new members during the meeting.
*George Sanzila works at the National Assembly in the Division: Research, Information, Publications and Editorial Services.