Few countries have promoted adequate reforms to mobilise resources for social development. Further, donor countries need to negotiate conditionalities for aid in accordance with a development agenda, timeframes and processes of recipient countries. While it is said that a significant portion of ODA is directed toward Africa, it is the nature of this aid that has to also be reviewed. We would like to reinforce the regions view that donor aid should not result in additional transfers for donor countries. Such aid should benefit the technical and human capacity of the recipient.
Social integration is considered a central element in eradicating poverty and unemployment.
Democratic forms of Government that promote the active citizenship of those who have been living on the sidewalks of society are key to poor people's participation in processes that affect their lives. However, the narrative of social marginalisation of women and poor people from economic and political decision-making structures and processes continues to be a painful reality. The SADC position affirms the principles of transparent accountable Government. We have to introduce mechanisms within our countries and the region to root out corrupt practices in all spheres of governance. Further, those trans-national agencies that promote corruption in our countries must be subject to severe sanctions.