We have a real reason to celebrate. Yet, as we celebrate, we must confront the harsher realities that persist across our region. The state of democracy across Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries is highly uneven.

While some nations, such as South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles and Zambia, show relative stability and progress; others, including Zimbabwe, Eswatini, the DRC, Madagascar, Angola, Comoros and Mozambique, face serious democratic deficits marked by authoritarianism, weak institutions and repression. Before I advance my own reflections, let me recall that the official SADC motto is ‘Towards a Common Future’. Its objectives, enshrined in Article 5 of the SADC Treaty (1992), emphasise regional integration, sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, peace and security and the consolidation of democratic governance.

While we celebrate, our neighbours continue to struggle: Zimbabwe with repression; Eswatini under an absolute monarchy; the DRC plagued by instability; Madagascar destabilised by a recent military coup; Angola dominated by one party; the Comoros trapped in cycles of political upheaval; and Mozambique with violent crackdowns, assassinations and internet shutdowns. South Africa’s Freedom Day must not only be a celebration but also serve as a benchmark. It shows what genuine liberation looks like but it also reminds us of the unfinished work across all SADC member states.

The struggle for freedom in Southern Africa is collective and South Africa’s experience serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the unfinished work across the region. Zimbabwe: Imagine young compatriots standing in a long line to cast their vote, hopeful for change, only to face threats and intimidation. Their ballot becomes a symbol of fear rather than freedom.

Eswatini: Picture students who dream of forming a political organisation at university, yet they know that even discussing that possibility is forbidden under the monarchy. Their voices are silenced before they can be heard. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Step into the shoes of a mother in Kinshasa who cannot trust the courts or the police because corruption and violence have hollowed out the institutions meant to protect her family.

Madagascar: Think of a shopkeeper in Antananarivo who wakes to yet another coup, uncertain whether tomorrow’s leaders will bring stability or chaos. Their livelihood is caught in the middle of power struggles, where ordinary families pay the price for leaders’ endless battles. Angola: Consider a journalist who dares to question the ruling party.

Their voice is silenced, their articles censored and their courage punished — voices of truth buried under the weight of tyranny. Comoros: Recall a child growing up under the shadow of repeated coups, never knowing what democracy looks like, only instability passed down like an inheritance. Mozambique: Picture a protester demanding transparency in elections, only to face bullets, internet blackouts and assassinations.

Their call for freedom is met not with dialogue but with lethal force. If we are to honour our freedom, we must also stand in sympathy with our neighbours, whose struggles remind us that democracy is never guaranteed. Their pain must be felt as our own and their hopes embraced as part of our shared destiny.

If we are to fulfil this responsibility, we must insist on: First, electoral integrity. All SADC members must have independent electoral commissions with transparent voter registration, fair constituency boundaries and, more importantly, clear frameworks. South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) stands as a trusted example of how credibility can be built and maintained.

Second, external observers. Regional and international monitors, from the AU, SADC and beyond, must safeguard fairness. The recent Ghana elections (December 2024) were validated by observers, which shows the power of accountability when the world is watching.

Third, independent judiciaries. Courts must be free to resolve disputes without fear or favour. Malawi’s Constitutional Court, which invalidated flawed elections in 2019, proved that justice can protect democracy when institutions are strong (Chilima and Chakwera vs Mutharika and EC).

Fourth, free media. A free press is the lifeblood of democracy. It ensures transparency, exposes corruption and empowers citizens.

South Africa’s vibrant media landscape demonstrates this truth. Yet in Zimbabwe, journalists such as Hopewell Chin’ono face arrest simply for speaking truth to power. Fifth, civil society and citizen participation.

NGOs, activists and ordinary citizens must hold leaders accountable. Malawi’s civic groups, despite constituti