"A Vision for Southern Africa"

It has therefore been deeply encouraging to witness the steady growth of
interest in the Forum from leaders of business, within the region and beyond.
This year is no exception, and we would like to take this opportunity to add our
voice to those thanking the World Economic Forum and the SADC Secretariat for
making it possible; and to President Mugabe and the Government of Zimbabwe for
their service to the region in playing host.

The importance of bringing those who command investment resources together
with SADC and its member governments, is not merely in providing the former with
a window on opportunities - though it does do that. It lies rather in its
contribution to the forging of a partnership that goes to the heart of our
vision for Southern Africa.

SADC was conceived in the struggle for freedom in Southern Africa as an
instrument for realising our dreams of co-operation for prosperity. But we had
to wait for the consummation of that struggle before its true potential as an
engine for development could being to materialise.

If the liberation of South Africa and the ending of Southern Africa's
destabilisation ushered in an era of new possibilities for the region - and
indeed the continent - they did so in a global context that defined new
imperatives for the achievement of our most urgent objective - the eradication
of the poverty that afflicts the great mass of our people.

This then is the crucible out of which our vision for the SADC region has
been refined. This Summit, like each one since 1994, will take stock of how
Southern Africa has succeeded in using the new opportunities.

Suffice it for now to say that a preference for democracy and the peaceful
resolution of disputes; demonstrable commitment to the disciplined management of
public resources; policies designed to encourage the flourishing of enterprise,
and far-reaching plans for reconstruction have effectively become the norm
across the region. To the extent that they have, they are fostering a climate
for sustained growth and development.

Southern Africa's interest in peace and political stability as a fundamental
condition for development and its commitment to entrenching them, is reflected
int he work of SADC's Organ for Politics, Defence and Security led by President
Mugabe.

The fruits of these practices and policies are to be seen, amongst other
things, in continuing positive economic trends.

But no country in Southern Africa can succeed on its own. Inter- dependence
amongst neighbours and the pressures of a globalised economy increasingly
defined by regional blocs dictate that we work together as a region.

Progress in developing a regional approach to power; water; transport, and
the combating of illicit drug trafficking have shown us what can be achieved.

We have set out on the path to a single regional market, in the knowledge
that it is no easy path. The ideal of economic integration has to be approached
in a way that is consistent with the historical imbalances within and between
countries from which we started.

The phased reduction of internal barriers to trade must be accompanied by
measures to address that legacy. We cannot reduce tariffs only for benefits to
accrue to the stronger partner. Integration that causes destructive movements of
capital, skills or labour defeats our purposes. Balanced development and
equitable trade relationships must be our watchwords.

The process must assist us, as a region and as individual countries, to
compete in the markets of the world. Hence our emphasis on large-scale
infrastructure development; on investment in skills and technology; and a drive
for activities that add value to our primary commodities.

Ladies and gentlemen;

We have set ourselves ambitious objectives. But we must do so if we are to
claim our share of investment and markets; if we are to generate growth that
creates jobs and produces resources to improve the quality of life. The
objectives are achievable: but not by government alone; and not by Southern
Africa on its own.

The logic of regional integration leads also to a special relationship with
other developing countries. A partnership with the nations of the South gives us
a collective voice that will help ensure that the emerging world order is to the
benefit of all, and not only the strongest.

Development can no longer be regarded as the responsibility of government
alone. It requires a partnership of government with its social partners: private
sector, labour and non-governmental organisations.

The evolution of SADC from "Co-ordination Conference" to "Community" not only
broadened its scope from a focus on infrastructure to a much more comprehensive
approach to reconstruction, growth and development. The same process
dramatically expanded the possibilities for private sector contribution to
development, including in the area of infrastructure formerly associated with
government alone. The region is replete with examples, actual and prospective,
of large-scale projects demonstrating the power of public and private sector
partnership.

SADC is in the midst of a review of its structures. Amongst the answers it
must find is the best institutional form for promoting the partnerships that are
essential to achieving Southern Africa's development goals in the current era.

SADC came into being under the most unfavourable circumstances, a product of
our region's aspiration for peace and prosperity through co-operation. The
conditions now exist for it to flourish, and for an economic breakthrough.

Difficulties there are, and we do not underestimate them. To name but some of
them: we have to find ways of ensuring that growth translates into employment;
that the region - and the continent - secures an equitable share of world trade;
and that investment into the region matches its record in creating an ideal
destination for investment.

Overcome these difficulties we must. The fact that poverty and deprivation
continue to define the condition of most of our region and of humanity is an
indictment of the past from which we are emerging.

But should we fail to build the partnerships for development which can
eradicate these scourges, then history will make a harsh judgment upon us too.

I thank you

"A Vision for Southern Africa"

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