46th SADC Summit: Will it address South Africa's xenophobic violence?

The 46th ordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state and government has commenced in Durban, South Africa. The summit, hosted and presided over by the South African president, centers on the theme "Resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industrialization through infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, and critical mineral value chains for a more equitable world."

However, this theme of industrialization is overshadowed by the pressing issue of regional integration, particularly in light of escalating migratory tensions and recent waves of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa. The phenomenon of xenophobia is not new, but its recent scale has prompted calls for measures to preserve peace and social cohesion within the SADC region.

Many citizens from SADC member states, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been victims of anti-migrant sentiment and violence in South Africa. This has led to popular justice acts and mass repatriations, actions that starkly contrast with the principles of regional integration that underpin the SADC.

The summit's timing is significant, offering a platform to address the xenophobic violence that has strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and several African capitals. The situation has become a major concern, creating tensions and highlighting the challenges to fostering solidarity and free movement within the community.