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Abstract
This article addresses the question of what drives the character and orientation of South Africa’s foreign policy post the apartheid era. The shift from apartheid to democracy in 1994 brought with it a new paradigm shift in both South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy agenda. This was also driven by the need to redress the destabilization policies of the apartheid regime. The demise of apartheid in 1994 brought with it immense jubilation both continentally and abroad and South Africa was now for the first time in years reintegrated into the global economy. By undertaking this enquiry, the study attempts to draw a nuanced evaluation of South Africa’s foreign policy, particularly in Southern Africa since its transition to democracy in 1994.
Highlights
The 1994 democratic elections in South Africa ushered in a new government
In terms of security policy, Southern African Development Community (SADC) debated the creation of a Conference for Security and Cooperation in Southern Africa (CSCSA); in West Africa, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) created a Military Observer Group (ECOMOG); and the OAU established a Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution Centre in Addis Ababa
[...] South Africa is very much part of the African continent. [...] the fate of a democratic South Africa is inextricably bound up with what happens in the rest of the continent. [...] what happens elsewhere on the continent will inevitably affect South Africa [...]
Summary
Regarding its foreign policy towards Africa the ANC government was put before the choice “between old loyalties and new responsibilities”.16 As briefly indicated above, the new ANC government paid tribute to old loyalties, in particular with respect to Africa. Regarding its foreign policy towards Africa the ANC government was put before the choice “between old loyalties and new responsibilities”.16. The new ANC government paid tribute to old loyalties, in particular with respect to Africa. Publications from former President Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki – Head of the ANC’s Department of International Affairs until 1994, Deputy President, and since 1999 President –, and the ANC Department of International Affairs show: Pretoria feels a great responsibility and loyalty towards the African continent and in particular towards the Southern African region: South Africa cannot escape its African destiny. [...] the fate of a democratic South Africa is inextricably bound up with what happens in the rest of the continent. [...] our foreign policy should reflect the interests of the continent of Africa [...].19
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