The functioning of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the primary characteristics of the member states

Abstract

The article describes the formation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and reflects on the structure and value of the institution within the region. The concept of intergovernmental relations (IGR) is defined and the commonalities with regards to intergovernmental structures and the establishment thereof, between SADC member states, are discussed. The SADC comprises fourteen vastly different and diverse countries and mention is made of the size, population composition and government types of each of the countries and its impact on the creation and viability of intergovernmental relations.