SADC tackles challenges affecting the region, but did migration get the attention it deserves?

As the 46th SADC Summit concluded, discussions on migration were dominated by recent events in South Africa, with an apology offered to regional neighbours. Associate Professor Jo Vearey (Co-Director, African Centre for Migration & Society, Wits University) reflects:

“The ways in which issues around migration were focused at the summit was around the recent issues in South Africa, leading to an apology. There is the need to look more broadly at the role of migration, managed well, and how it will benefit the SADC region, there was a lack of discussion on achieving the benefits of migration for the region through the free movement protocol.”

The summit spoke of integration. But without a meaningful conversation on the free movement of people, the vision of a prosperous, interconnected region remains out of reach.

WATCH the discussion here:

[Credit: SABC News]