To what extent is overlapping membership of regional structures with mutually exclusive objectives in the SADC region an impediment to regional integration

Abstract

The main objectives of the study was to determine the exclusivity of the objectives of the regional groupings within the SADC region and to assess the impact that membership overlaps has on the realization of specific regional grouping objectives.A qualitative research approach was adopted. Semi-structured in-depth expert interviews were used to determine the issues arising from regional membership overlaps in the SADC region.Due to limited literature around the subject of regional integration in the SADC region, work done by my supervisor Dr Jannie Rossouw were cited in some instances.Recent developments in the Western economies that have resulted in the refocusing of the SADC region have resulted in polarization amongst the regional groupings in Africa. Furthermore, existing regional groupings within the Southern Africa, have endenvoured on an ambitious regional integration agenda which has resulted in membership overlaps within the existing regional bodies. The study found that these regional overlaps are costing the affected member states in the form of monetary subscription and through the deployment of the rare human skilled resources to regional secretariats. The advent of the European Partnership Agreements has caused polarization within the SADC region through the signing of various bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements. Most importantly, this study found that structural overlaps exist within SADC itself. A lack of sufficient political will amongst SADC member states was also noted as an impediment to regional integration.However, the study also noted some positive performances of existing regional grouping despite membership overlaps. The Common Monetary Area was highlighted as a grouping that was performing in line with prescribed regional integration convergence indicators.