Lesotho felt the need to be part of the organisation, formed in 1980 as a loose alliance of nine majority-ruled states called the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference (SADCC), because it supported the idea of uniting the region and shared SADC's objectives.

The founding member states are Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, United republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The region has indeed, achieved some of its objectives, Ms Monoko said. "For example, in most member countries, by and large, there is democracy and institutionalised apartheid is now history," she added.

"Being a member is an advantage to Lesotho as the country no longer does it alone in the international arena. As members of a regional grouping, SADC member states have the necessary bargaining power to negotiate for international assistance and attract foreign investment."

Some of the benefits received by Lesotho for being a member include the development of small hydropower facilities at Mants'onyane and Semonkong and the 'Muela Hydropower project. The organisation also intervened in 1998 when the country experienced political instability, bringing the situation back to normal. The list is quiet long," Ms Monoko said.

Lesotho has also contributed to the success of SADC, she said, pointing to the fact that not so long ago it was entrusted with the critical responsibility of being Chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Presently the membership of SADC comprises Angola, Botswana, the Democratic republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  

16 March 2005