Introduction
This discussion paper seeks to establish the various methods available to southern African civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations affiliated to the Southern African Development Community Non-governmental Organisational Council (SADC-CNGO) for engagement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It is hoped that engagement will allow non-governmental and civil society organisations better opportunities to influence the SADC agenda and the implementation of its policies.
In order to achieve this objective, research was undertaken, funded by the Conflict and Governance Facility (CAGE), a partnership facility between the European Commission and the South African National Treasury Department. The purpose of this inquiry was to establish the various obstacles to viable engagement and how these obstacles may be overcome. The work
herein provides a cursory exposition of the current state of affairs; a more comprehensive research initiative and appraisal can be developed if discussions identify the need for more in depth research in certain areas.
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