“This research examines public participation and democratisation in SADC by investigating SADC National Committees (SNCs) as institutions that support regional participatory policy development. Since the 2001 amended SADC Treaty introduced SNCs, little research has been undertaken on the extent of SNC functionality and operations. This study looks at SNC functionality with particular focus on SNCs as platforms for participatory policy-making and implementation in SADC. The research is significant because, while existing reports and information on SNCs have focused on the capacity and operational areas of SNC functions, this study explores the
stakeholder participation requirement for SNCs as an essential component of a functional SNC. It explores the perceptions of both government and civil society in this regard.”
