The MK Party MP deployed to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), David Skosana, said the party of former President Jacob Zuma was committed to freeing the region from the nefarious clutches of Western imperialism.
Skosana extolled the virtues of the regional organisation, which comprises 16 member states united under the banner of economic growth, social development, and peace.
According to Skosana, the MK Party’s founding principle was to liberate Africans from the shackles of Western dominance. To empower the people of SADC and the entire African continent to reclaim their land, oceanic resources, and abundant mineral wealth.
Spirit of Pan-Africanism
“We strive to revive the spirit of Pan-Africanism, unity, and progress. Championing the interests of SADC citizens and fostering a brighter future for generations to come,” he said.
Skosana said the mission was to create a more integrated and competitive region. The plan was to draft, adopt, and implement a “clear target-oriented regional development model”.
Skosana nostalgically revisited the Zuma years, which spanned from 2009 to 2018, often referred to as the “nine wasted years”. According to him, it was a golden age of infrastructural development in South Africa and the SADC region.
About this period, he said: “we initiated or progressed several transportation corridor projects. Including the expansion of ports and the upgrading of roads and railways. And the development of new corridors.
“These projects aimed to improve regional connectivity. To also facilitate trade, and enhance economic integration among SADC member states.
“Some notable projects include the upgrade of the North-South Corridor. The development of the Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistics corridor. And the expansion of the Port of Durban.”
SADC Rail and Road Corridor
The Rail and Road Corridor in SADC refers to a network of transportation corridors. These connect SADC countries through roads, railways, and ports.
Skosana stated that, for far too long, the continent and its people have not benefited much from Africa’s wealth extraction and export.
“The Rail and Road Corridor project, initiated during President Zuma’s term, aimed to reverse this trend. By promoting regional integration and infrastructure development in SADC and Africa.”
He added: “By investing in critical infrastructure, we can unlock the potential for intra-regional trade and economic growth. [And] keeping Africa’s wealth in Africa. The Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a key accomplishment of this project. They connect our regions, fostering economic integration, and drive development.”
Skosana was disappointed that these SEZs had underperformed since their exit. “The underperformance of SEZs in SA and across SADC is a missed opportunity. A missed opportunity for economic growth and development.”
Skosana said that in 2016, President Zuma’s government created and implemented the Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS). This was for the specific purpose of rapidly expanding black participation in industrial development.
‘Zuma years were the best years’
“The BIS funds only industrial companies that are +51% black owned. And in just two years, by 2018, the BIS had funded 102 black owned industrial companies. The funding was for a total of R4-billion. One of these beneficiaries is 36-year-old founder and CEO of Thakadu Group, Ruli Diseko. He received R250-million to commercialise the Thakadu refinery in the North West.
“Only with this specific focus on incentivising black industrial participation can SEZs drive innovation. [It can also drive] industrialisation, and export diversification, benefiting the economy and black people of the SADC region.”
Moreover, said Skosana, it is crucial to educate citizens about the significance and benefits of SADC and SEZs. This will empower them to participate actively in the economic transformation process.
“By raising awareness and promoting understanding of these initiatives, we can foster a culture of inclusivity. [Also a culture of] entrepreneurship, and innovation, unlocking the full potential of SADC and SEZs. And this will drive economic growth, industrialisation, and prosperity for all.
“The MK Party envisioned a region that is truly free from the shackles of Western dominance. Where our development and progress are driven by our own collective aspirations and interests. Rather than external influences that have historically hindered our growth and potential.”
