Abstract
M.Comm.
Since the late 1980's / early 1990's Southern Africa has undergone radical
political change. Political democratisation and liberalisation impacted on the
economies of individual states as well as on economic relations between states
in the region. The democratisation process in South Africa in particular,
changed the economic power configurations of the region. South Africa opted to
become a member of the SADC in 1994 after its first "representative" elections.
The country was initially confronted by unrealistic expectations among the other
members in the region regarding the contribution that they expected to emanate
from this move. South Africa on the other hand was confronted with the realities
of its own reconstruction and development needs. The question that had to be
answered however, is how economic integration could contribute to the growth
and development of the Southern African region. Of particular interest is the role
that external forces could/would have on the integration process. This is the
central theme of this document.