Following the SADC Treaty establishing SADC in 1992, Member States signed a Protocol to the Treaty on immunities and privileges.
The signatories of the Protocol agree that SADC, its property and assets shall enjoy immunity from every form of legal process, search, and requisition or confiscation except in instances where such immunity has been expressly waived. Such immunity extends to SADC officials and their immediate families. All the communications of SADC will also be considered non- violable.
With respect to privileges, the Protocol grants tax exemption and non-restrictive financial controls to SADC, its institutions and officials. Member States representatives to SADC and to conferences convened by SADC as well as experts performing missions for SADC will be accorded the same immunities and privileges.
