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Fight for economic emancipation of Africa, Kaunda urges leaders

Fight for economic emancipation of Africa, Kaunda urges leaders
By Brighton Phiri
Friday August 24, 2007 [04:00]

Dr Kenneth Kaunda has urged Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other African leaders to fight for economic emancipation of Africa. And Dr Kaunda was on Monday awarded with the Association of SADC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASCCI) presidential award for his contribution during the liberation struggle of Southern African countries.

Speaking after receiving the ASCCI presidential award in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Kaunda explained that some independent countries in the region established Southern Africa Development Co-ordinating Conference (SADCC) to increase their support for the liberation movements, which were waging a relentless struggle against apartheid and foreign domination, and lessen their economic dependence on apartheid South Africa.

"For we knew that maintaining close economic links with racist South Africa would weaken our determination to help our brothers and sisters who were fighting for change in their countries," Dr Kaunda said. "SADCC was, therefore, our vision for a viable strategy for the attainment of regional economic integration."

He explained that SADCC was transformed into SADC in 1992 after Namibia and South Africa attained political independence.

Dr Kaunda said SADC was one of the regional organisations on the continent, which were necessary building blocks for the attainment of integration of Africa.
"The ultimate goal is to have free movement of people, goods and services throughout the continent. This requires that our regions do attain goals for sustainable development," he said.

He said even though SADC had become a vibrant region, there should be no room for complacency because more needed to be done so that the people could enjoy acceptable living standards.

Dr Kaunda said SADC still faced many challenges among them, rising poverty levels, underdevelopment, ignorance, illiteracy, crime, diseases such as malaria, Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and the growing number of orphaned children. He called for closer partnership between governments and the private sector in addressing the needs of the communities.

Dr Kaunda further called for harmonisation of tariffs among SADC countries before they established the customs union by the year 2010. He asked SADC countries to add value to their raw materials by setting up factories to process the raw materials.
"We have a duty and responsibility to do what is necessary to enhance development in our region," he said.

Dr Kaunda said the founding fathers had a vision for Africa that in a larger freedom, the people of Africa could attain greater degree of prosperity, their succeeding generations could move the continent to higher heights, African countries would work for unity and prosperity and attain peace, stability and understanding among all its people.

"The founding fathers played their part. It, therefore, remains the responsibility of all in business and government to join hands in order to realise the dreams of our inspiring founding fathers and the aspiration of our people."

According to ASCCI chief executive officer Sipho Mseleku, the presidential award was granted to exemplary individuals who demonstrated through actions and stature, continuous, studious and tireless leadership in advancing the profile of the African continent.

He disclosed that the first recipient of the ASCCI presidential award was former South African president Nelson Mandela and that Dr Kaunda was the second recipient.
"Your commitment to the liberation struggle of the continent, throughout the years of your presidency was not only inspiring, but changed the political and economic landscape of our continent.

Even today, you continue to inspire us with your work with HIV/AIDS and other programmes. It is true to say that an organisation like ASCCI would not exist today had it not been for the foresight of leaders like yourself in creating the political and economic environment which had contributed to the created of ASCCI," read Mseleku's letter to Dr Kaunda.

Labels: ASCCI, KENNETH KAUNDA, SADC

posted by MrK @ 3:52 AM