REGIONAL INDIC ATIVE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PL AN in the CIS Protocol are relevant to the attainment of the objective of regional integration. The objectives to be 4 3 lack of research and documentation of cultural issues. • Existence of barriers, weak institutional framework attained under each sub sector are quite comprehensive, and infrastructure for the collection, utilisation and and focus is on the development and harmonisation of dissemination of information on regional coopera- policies in each, as well as exchange of information. tion ad integration in SADC. The sector has recorded some achievements, which • The need to promote pluralistic media systems, include the successful adoption of the Protocol, the policies, protect freedom of the press and other media and to priorities and strategies document, the existence of ensure objectivity and responsible journalism. networks and institutions that promote culture, information • and sport, strong interest from the donor community to participation of all key stakeholders in implemen- support the sector, and the existence of international fora tation and resourcing of regional cultural and sport- where the region can take a common stand. ing programmes and events as well as in publicising In addition, a number of important initiatives to promote culture, sport and the dissemination of information about SADC in the region were embarked SADC. • local/regional media content. Trust Fund, the hosting of cultural festivals and regional • Lack of efficient and cost-effective communications infrastructure and facilities to disseminate and and launching of the Southern African Broadcasting distribute information. Association (SABA). Weaknesses identified include inadequate research, Reduction of the information gap between urban and rural areas in Member States and promotion of upon. These include the establishment of a SADC Culture sporting events, organisation of annual media awards, Lack of financial and technical resources for the • Lack of a stable institutional framework for dealing inadequate protection of intellectual property rights, with sports issues and inadequate provision of negative attitudes to gender, ethnicity and work ethics, material facilities, human and financial resources as inadequate infrastructure, limited resources available to well as the need to widen sporting disciplines by Member States to participate in social programmes, poor including indigenous sports.. implementation of regional decisions and lack of performance standards and mechanisms to enforce implemen- • Limited participation of women and people with disabilities in sports. tation of decisions. The document on Policies, Priorities and Strategies contains recognition of the importance of gender equality. 3.5.6 SPECIAL PROGRAMMES: DRUG CONTROL It notes with concern the continued absence of policies, or their inadequacies, which will continue to undermine co- 3.5.6.1 ordination and harmonisation, work in the area of human Review of Current Policies and Strategies rights, democracy, and gender equality as well as active Rgional integration creates a conducive environment to publicising of SADC's achievements. collectively address social problems such as illicit drug abuse and trafficking, hence, the signing of the SADC 3.5.5.3 Protocol on Combating Illicit Drugs in 1996. Since the Challenges in Policies and Strategies early 1990s, the SADC Region, like everywhere in the There are a number of challenges facing the region in the world, has seen an increase in the production, trafficking area of culture, information and sports. These include: and abuse of illicit drugs. Drug trafficking syndicates have • Limited access to cultural institutions and lack of a been attracted by positive growth in a number of legal framework for the protection of cultural heri- economic sectors in the SADC Region, as well as by the tage, intellectual property rights and related rights. rapid Inadequate institutional framework for the promotion technology, and the entertainment industry. On the other of cultural industries and the need for SADC to take hand, growing stresses such as poverty, unemployment, advantage of its rich and diverse cultures as well as migration HIV and AIDS and weakened family support • expansion in information communication