Recently I have been doing a lot of research on SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY a.k.a SADC trying to figure out what it is all about. SADC continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. If SADC was a celebrity i think it would say; "No publicity is bad publicity so let me enjoy the spotlight!!!" Unfortunately SADC regulates the southern african region and any bad publicity reflects badly on the region. SADC consists of 15 member states which are ZIMBABWE, SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, SEYCHELLES, MADAGASCAR, MALAWI, ANGOLA, MAURITIUS , TANZANIA, SWAZILAND, LESOTHO, DRC, MOZAMBIQUE & ZAMBIA. SADC has got institutions as well namely : THE SUMMIT OF THE HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT, , SUMMIT TROIKA, SADC TRIBUNAL, SADC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS, SECTORAL & CLUSTER MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE, STANDING COMMITTEE OF SENIOR OFFICIALS, SADC SECRETARIAT, SADC NATIONAL COMMITTEES AND SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM. Of all these institutions, one particularly stands out :THE SADC TRIBUNAL. It has made headlines across Africa for various reasons. SADC leaders came under heavy scrutiny after it suspended the Tribunal in 2010. This was after Zimbabwe had questioned the leitimacy of the Tribunal after a series of judgments had been passed against Zimbabwe by the Tribunal. Zimbabwe made representations that the Tribunal had not been properly established and that due to this , the Tribunal was not recognised institution of SADC. This decision caused an uproar in Africa. This however did not deter the leaders from leaving the Tribunal suspended up to now. In 2014, the SADC leaders signed a new protocol which has reduced jurisdiction. Individuals do not have locus standi to appear before the court . This is indeed a drastic change. The new Protocol has not been signed by all SADC member states so it is going to be a while before SADC gets a new Tribunal.
xoxo
Ms Vee
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