SADC needs teeth

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Peya Mushelenga, has criticised the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for not taking a stance on conflict situations in the region.
“When are we going to have a decisive regional organisation that will take a position or a stance on an issue and remain firm and assertive rather than be kicked around by member states?” he asked at the foreign-policy review conference held in Windhoek this week.
Professor Andre Du Pisani pointed out that the nature of intelligence has changed dramatically. He also warned that security models should not be regarded as a one-size-fits-all model.
“Intelligence cannot and should not be left out of the equation. It is not the old intelligence services of spies, that is not intelligence, that is the worst kind of intelligence,” he insisted.
Loide Lungameni, chief of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, also urged Namibia to move away from archaic intelligence measures and to urgently embrace modern education.
“If we talk about intelligence in the old sense, as in who is doing what based on party-political affiliation, then we will be left behind. The terrorists do not care who you vote for, terrorists will come and destroy your country and disturb your peace and security,” she warned.
JEMIMA BEUKES