SADC People’s Summit Network (SAPSN), Secretary General Janet Zhou, has called on Southern African leaders to urgently address governance failures that continue to plague the region.
Speaking at the sidelines of the SADC People’s Summit in Harare, Zhou highlighted the growing discontent among citizens who feel increasingly marginalized by their governments.
“Governance failures in our region have led to widespread poverty, inequality, and a lack of accountability,” Zhou stated.
She emphasized the need for SADC leaders to prioritize the welfare of their people and to implement policies that promote transparency and good governance.
Zhou’s remarks come at a time when many countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are grappling with economic challenges, political instability, and social unrest.
The SADC People’s Summit, which runs parallel to the official SADC Summit, provides a platform for civil society organizations, grassroots movements, and community leaders to voice their concerns and advocate for change.
This year’s summit, themed “People Power for Sustainable Development,” focuses on issues such as human rights, environmental justice, and economic transformation.
Background
The SADC People’s Summit Network (SAPSN) was established to provide a forum for civil society to engage with SADC leaders on critical issues affecting the region. SAPSN has consistently called for greater accountability and citizen participation in governance. The network’s annual summit is a key event where activists, community leaders, and ordinary citizens can discuss challenges and propose solutions.
This year, the summit was held against the backdrop of significant political and economic turbulence in several SADC member states. In Zimbabwe, ongoing economic hardships and political repression are the order of the day. In Eswatini, the government has faced international criticism for its crackdown on pro-democracy activists. Meanwhile, Mozambique continues to struggle with an insurgency in its northern regions, further destabilizing the country.
Zhou’s call to action reflects the urgency of addressing these issues, as many citizens across the region feel their voices are not being heard by those in power.
