LET'S SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER AND TO OURSELVES

Chairperson, Apex Presidents and Executive Secretaries, Civil Society leaders, comrades, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. I once again extend a warm welcome to you all on this occasion of the 7th SADC Civil Society Forum.
Allow me chairperson, for the advantage of those who are attending this forum for the first time

The Southern Africa Development Community Council of Non Governmental Organizations (SADC-CNGO) is the lead and membership based apex body of non-governmental organizations operating in all SADC Countries. SADC-CNGO was formed in 1998. It however officially started operations in 2004. Its legitimacy lies not only in the mandate bestowed upon it by the membership - drawn from the 15 SADC Countries, but also in the signed Memorandum of Understanding with the SADC Secretariat for the purposes of promoting constructive dialogue and engagement with civil society.

Pact of Regional Apex Organizations

Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCISSA), hereafter referred to as churches; Southern African Development Community Council of Non Governmental Organizations (SADC-CNGO), hereafter referred to as NGOs; and the Southern African Trade Union Coordination Council (SATUCC), hereafter referred to as trade unions.

We, the Parties to this Pact of Regional Apex Organizations on political, social, environmental and economic issues, being representative organizations of civil society operating in the SADC Region (Civil society in this context...