SAPSN Calls for Action on Regional Issues
…. SAPSN urges SADC leaders to address critical regional challenges in their upcoming communique, including tax reform, civic space, economic inequality, and climate change.
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 (3-09-2024) – SAPSN Urges SADC Leaders to Address Critical Regional Issues in New Communique
The Southern Africa People’s Solidarity Network (SAPSN) has urged Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government to address pressing regional issues in their upcoming communique.
SAPSN criticized the global tax system for favoring developed countries and worsening poverty in the SADC region.
In a statement delivered by Gershom Kabaso, National Coordinator of the Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF), on behalf of Janet Zhou, SAPSN emphasized several key areas needing SADC’s attention.
Kabaso asserted, “The global tax system is failing developing countries. We urge SADC leaders to support the UN Tax Convention to standardize tax systems and combat tax evasion.”
The communique advocates for backing the UN Tax Convention to streamline tax systems and tackle tax evasion.
It also calls for empowering local and traditional leaders to negotiate natural resource contracts more effectively and for a unified SADC stance on tax conventions.
Kabaso highlighted that SAPSN believes “a unified approach on tax conventions will better protect the interests of the region.”
SAPSN raised concerns about shrinking civic space in some SADC member states. The network stressed the need to preserve democratic values, improve electoral systems, and enhance legal frameworks to protect human rights and combat corruption.
Kabaso pointed out, “There is an urgent need to repeal restrictive laws on freedoms of expression, assembly, and association and to review regulations affecting civil society.”
Economic inequalities and poverty were identified as critical issues.
SAPSN called for increased investment in social services, adherence to regional and international agreements, and the establishment of public beneficial ownership registers to boost transparency and address illicit financial flows.
The communique recommended “developing a gender-sensitive urban design manual, extending social protection to informal economy workers, and adopting a unified SADC approach in negotiations with the EU,” according to Kabaso.
Additionally, the communique emphasized reducing reliance on external debt and aid, advocating for self-funded development agendas.
SAPSN highlighted the importance of gender-responsive budgeting, recognition of unpaid care work, greater women’s participation in decision-making, and secure land rights for women.
Kabaso mentioned, “Comprehensive measures are needed to address child marriage and violence against women, including adopting the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage.”
Job creation, entrepreneurship, and a decolonized education system supporting local talent were also underscored.
The communique proposed removing visa requirements to facilitate regional integration and the free movement of goods and people.
In response to climate change, SAPSN called for grant-based funding from developed countries, investment in agroecology, and promotion of ecofeminist and gender-transformative approaches.
The statement urged prioritizing renewable energy investments, seeking reparations for historical environmental injustices, and developing a regional climate change protocol.
Kabaso stated, “Addressing climate change requires urgent and concerted action, including reparations and a robust regional protocol.”
SAPSN’s communique calls for immediate and coordinated action by SADC leaders to tackle these critical issues and ensure a just, equitable, and sustainable future for the region.