Red faces as SA, Namibia refuse to sign Sadc Trade Protocol

SADC new chairman President Robert Mugabe yesterday pleaded for support to allow him to steer the agenda of the regional group as South African President Jacob Zuma and Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba refused to sign an important protocol on trade.

EVERSON MUSHAVA/OWEN GAGARE IN VICTORIQ FALLS

Mugabe told journalists after officially closing the 34th Sadc Heads of State and Government Summit in Victoria Falls that South Africa should help in the industrialisation of the region rather than turn other countries into mere consumers of its products.

“We appealed to South Africa, which is highly industrialised, to lead us in this [industrialisation] and work with us, and co-operate with us and not just regard the whole continent as an open market for products from South Africa,” Mugabe said.

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