Abstract
M.A.
The main purpose and objective of this study was to evaluate and determine
the impact of regionalisation in Southern Africa on South Africa's
developmental goals.
With regionalisation coming to the fore as a contemporary reality of the
international political economy and with the importance placed on the
Reconstruction and Development Plan by the South African Government, the
opportinity presented itself where the dynamic impact of regionalisation could
be determined and evaluated in a meaningful and relevant manner. The major research concerning regionalisation in Southern Africa focuses on
either the economic viability of integration in the Southern African region, or the
form of integration which should be pursued. No single study has tried to
determine the possible total impact of the process of regionalisation on a
specific country. This study breaches this intellectual and academic impasse
by doing a multi-leveled analysis of the impact of regionalisation on South
Africa's developmental goals.
The motivation for this is to lead to more specific research concerning all
aspects involved for all countries concerned. The emphasis falls on the holistic
nature of this topic - where spesific focus is placed on the complexity and
diversity of the roleplayers involved as well as the determinants which
influence them. The specific methodology used was to incorporate varied
forms of data-gathering, ranging from interviews with major roleplayers to
literature studies. The important fact to emphasize is that regionalisation itself
must be seen as a complex structure, evolving to the needs and circumstances
of the countries involved.
This study shows emphatically that the orthodox theory of regionalisation can
not be used in the context of developing countries. This theory is based on the
experiences of the European industrialised countries. Their methods of
analysis is inappropriate in developing countries. It is showed that project- and
functional co-operation would suit the requirements and needs of the Southern
African region far better in delivering the benefits accrued through
regionalisation.
Using this as premiss and focussing on the develomental goals of South Africa
- the probable impact of regionalisation was determined and evaluated. The
Reconstruction and Development Plan and the White Paper on the
Reconstruction and Development Plan was used to identify South Africa's
developmental goals. Intense research was done to estimate and determine
the probable impact of regionalisation, as well as the policy issues it entails, on
these goals. An effort was made to integrate each aspect and sector with other
sectors and to highlight the complex nature of these interrelated issues. Only
broad discussion and recommendations could be drawn. But these are
sufficient to lead to futher studies on each specific aspect as well as giving a
broad perspective on how South Africa's development goals will be influenced
by the process of regionalisation.
From this study the conclusion can be drawn that there will be costs involved
for South Africa's participation in regional integration. But the benefits derived
from project co-operation could make it worthwhile for South Africa to
implement positive policy decisions towards further regionalisation. It is
important to notice the intense complexity of each sector and the influence a
change in one sector will have on all others. Careful consideration should be
given before any action is taken. This serves as justification for the study on
the grounds that more studies of this nature is necessary for regionalisation to
expand in the region, and for Southern Africa to develop as a region. The other
member-countries should conduct studies of a similar nature - and through this
the most appropriate policy decisions could be taken to improve the well-being
of all the people in this region.