“One voice to solve common problem”

By Patricia Kapulula

Southern Africa countries face common problems that call for a united voice in addressing them.

This was the feeling expressed by some delegates interviewed at the start of the three day Southern Africa Social Forum in Lilongwe Malawi arguing that a forum like this would help them (delegates) explore means of addressing the many problems haunting the region.

Agatha Ngonga of Zambia said she expects to learn more about gender, HIV/Aids, and human rights among other things.

“My expectation is to learn from other countries on how they address issues like HIV/Aids, human rights and gender among others and which I would later share with fellow Zambians when I go back home,” she said.

Morgan Jeranyama of Zimbabwe says there are many challenges that Southern Africa is facing and there is need to find strategies that would help in finding lasting solutions to the problems.

He said time has come for Africa to take action and speak with one voice.

“Time has come for Africa to speak with one voice in addressing issues as this will help us eradicate the common problems that we face,” he said adding, “a lot of talking has been done and this is the time to take action.”

Nelson Manjate of Mozambique said he expects to the forum to come up with recommendations that would address problems affecting Africa as this would empower participants to be able to share with colleagues back home what he has learnt from other countries.

Malawi Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) coordinator Peter Chinoko said the social forum should be in a position to come up with a common stand on social problems facing Africa in general, and Southern Africa in particular.

He said one of the big problems that Africa is facing is leadership.

“Leadership is a common problem that African countries face and this must be looked into if the continent is to come out of problems that come due to poor leadership,” said Chinoko.

Another challenge, according to Chinoko, is unemployment.

“Unemployment can be dealt if investors come as Southern Africa is enjoying peace,” he said.