The Hegemony of South Africa and the Free Movement of Persons in SADC: Challenges and Perspectives

Abstract

The free movement of persons faces many challenges in the SADC region. Currently, there is no solid regional framework that governs it. As a result, it is managed by several varying bilateral agreements between the member states.  This study aims to evaluate the impact the hegemony of South Africa has on the free movement of persons in the SADC region.  The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect the hegemony of South Africa has on visa openness in the SADC region, to describe the hegemony of South Africa in relation to ratification of the protocol on the facilitation of movement of persons in the SADC region, and finally to evaluate the influence the hegemony of South Africa has on border procedures in the SADC region. The qualitative research method was undertaken in pursuit of fulfilling the study objectives. The data for this study was collected from a selection of official statistics, technical reports, and scholarly journals.  The findings of the study suggest that the hegemony of South Africa has greatly contributed and shaped the status of the free movement of persons in the region. South Africa has negotiated itself into favourable positions with its fellow SADC member states that have placed them at an advantage. South Africa benefits from favourable visa openness and border procedures. It’s contribution in influencing the Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons has resulted in it being among the countries that have ratified the protocol which has more relaxed provisions.  The study recommends harmonised free movement agreements that have a more regional outlook and an approach to the free movement of persons that has a bearing that is not centred around security and negative perceptions.