Russian economic initiatives as perceived by South Africans

Abstract

In recent years, Russia has sought to establish itself as an important economic partner in South Africa for the first time. Russia has ‘image’ problems that have complicated its economic interaction with South Africa. The image of Russia in the collective consciousness of South Africans is formed primarily by local journalists, politicians and public figures. However, in South Africa, there are no popular publications and websites that consistently support the government’s efforts to strengthen trade and economic cooperation with Russia. South Africans see Russian initiatives as an alternative to the Western and Chinese influence on the local economy. For South Africans, their respect for Western values, achievements and culture is balanced by their rejection of the Western political and economic hegemony. Thus, South Africans see Russia as a potential counterbalance rather than a substitute for its Western partners. Apparently, most South Africans consider economic cooperation with Russia desirable. But the failed and controversial attempts by Russian state-owned companies to participate in important government projects have make the South African public wary of such efforts. The experience of Russian private companies shows that effective cooperation with South Africa is possible if Russian businesses are prepared to work there long and methodically, adapt to the local conditions and face stiff competition from Western and Chinese firms.