ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to gain insight into the influence of state power on the activities of grassroots actors in cross-border communities of proximate Southern African states. This, in relation to the pursuit of development in the wake of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Specifically, it investigates the extent to which SDGs filter down, by way of state policies, to the grassroots in the borderlands of selected SADC member countries. It is assumed that power over the space within specified territorial boundaries rests with the state. And that the state determines the agenda for realising development. Then, the chapter examines the ways in which grassroots actors conduct their socioeconomic activities, in order to identify those activities that show the actors embracing (or not) state policies designed to ensure that sustainable development is achieved. A thorough review of international, regional, national, local and the policies and programmes of governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working with cross-border communities is conducted. National legislation in SADC states affect grassroots actors, through five key issues gleaned from those pieces of legislation. However, the legislation essentially fails to consider the interests of grassroots actors, who should really gain the most from the resources in their habitat. Proximate states that share transboundary resources in contiguous border areas need localised governance frameworks to manage those resources. Further, locals and especially traditional leaders, must form part of and be included in institutions and processes designed to manage local resources.
