Deeper Regional Integration in the southern African Development Community (SADC) : Intra-Regional Migration as the building force

Abstract

Migration with reference to free movement of people within Africa has become an important agent of regional integration. This paper argues that free movement of people within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is central to integration efforts and therefore cannot be separated from other parallel initiatives such as political and security cooperation and economic development. It is very difficult to imagine how the free movement of goods, capital and services within the region could be achieved whilst obstacles continue to hinder the free movement of people. This study employs a qualitative research design, case study methodology of the SADC Protocol, and secondary data in its analysis. Although the Protocol on Free Movement has been referred to as a stepping stone to SADC integration, stringent laws and lack of bureaucratic and technocratic will has limited the aspiration for a common future within the regional community. It therefore becomes imperative that people are enabled by policy instruments in order to move freely without any hindrances. Based on these premises, this paper asserts further that the freer movement of people in the region would undeniably benefit member states socially, economically and politically as the movement of people becomes more and more unhindered. In terms of contribution to practice and policy, the research could be of relevance and essence to SADC regional scholars, policy makers, governments and regional citizenry.