The Role of Southern African Development Community in Creating Security in Southern Africa: a Case Study of Zimbabwe Since Independence to 2002

Abstract

Tension started in Zimbabwe when the government proved to the people that it was not going to acquire and distribute adequate land for settlement of the poor people. Misuse of government finances combined with the structural adjustment programme of the IMF contributed to the poor state of the economy in the country. The inflation, unemployment, poor salaries for civil servants and high salary increments to senior ZANU-PF officials caused a militant strike by the civil servants. President Mugabe called for a review of the constitution, which resulted a new and controversial one. A referendum was called for to approve or disapprove the new constitution. The MDC was formed to oppose the new constitution referendum. It was successful and President Mugabe felt threatened. Violence was used against the MDC supporters elections that followed the referendum. Death and other forms of intimidation did not work because the MDC supporters still voted and their party remained a credible challenger to the ZANU-PF. Vote rigging and other voting irregularities were used by the ZANU-PF to ensure that it won the elections at all costs, which it did in its terms. SADC did nothing sufficient to solve the situation in Zimbabwe, while it is the only closest organisation empowered and able to resolve conflicts in Southern Africa .