ColumnsIzindaba

THOUGHTS AND IDEAS ON THE USAS

Union of Southern African States “USAS”

By SIHLE NZIMAKWE 

It is suggested that from the following ten countries, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe, a grouping of perhaps 50 or more states be developed.

The size of these states and demarcation should be decided upon, taking into account socio-economic, political (including tribal) and other important factors such as present provincial and geographical boundaries.

The main motivating factors for the union of smaller states giving a “unity is strength” situation is that there would be many economies of scale including the benefits of muscle in security, with for example one army and air-force but smaller groupings for local policing and protection services.

There would be a huge economic benefit for a big trading group enjoying preferential tariffs and other trading advantages. Such a grouping would also give “Tremendous

Political Clout”, direction and opportunity, to all members of the Union. The states should I believe have a lot of delegated powers and autonomy so that widely diversified people would be able to choose the way in which they should be governed over what would be a very large area.

These differences should reflect each local population’s needs and wishes. Laws of different types for example would all be decided upon to best suit the wellbeing, security and economic situation (including work opportunities) for the inhabitants of each state.

If there is support for the idea then a working group could be formed which should put forward it’s recommendations and proposals at a future conference the date and venue of which should be decided.

The above suggestions at this stage are merely for discussion and consideration. “USAS “could easily include some Central African states and therefore become the Union of Central and Southern African States “UCSAS”!

Related Articles

Back to top button