Abstract
M.A. (Politics)
Shortly after the 1994 elections, South Africa was faced with the challenge of repositioning itself as a prominent regional and global player in international affairs. The country had to demonstrate to that it was “…peaceful and responsible neighbour, committed to regional, continental and global development and cooperation” (Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), 2014:148). Through such a commitment, the country sought to be an active and critical player in the areas of economic growth and development, as well as peace and security. Twenty-five years down the line, South Africa has undeniably increased its influence and presence on the global stage. The country has joined, and is also participating in a number of influential global multilateral forums such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Global South forums such the Brazil Russia India China South Africa (BRICS) cooperative. A key theme that has featured in South Africa’s post-apartheid foreign policy is the country’s commitment to Africa. Since 1994, there have been several pronouncements made by the South African government of its intention to promote the interests of Africa on the global stage. The country sought to do this through the promotion of its own African agenda. “The African Agenda outlines a bold strategy through which South Africa aims to ensure that Africa’s people and its interests are not forgotten or ignored by humankind” (ANC, 1994:4). Through the promotion of the African Agenda, South Africa aims to position itself as a representative of the continent and a champion of Africa. This image of a representative and champion of Africa has helped the country acquire membership into the BRICS grouping and take up terms on the UNSC for three terms (2007-2008; 2011-2012; 2019-2020). South Africa has committed itself to promoting to the African Agenda in the BRICS and the UNSC. This thesis seeks to examine whether or not South Africa is representing the interests of Africa in the BRICS and UNSC, respectively. It seeks to determine the extent to which South Africa is promoting the Africa agenda in these two multilateral bodies. The study will use the Role Approach as a theoretical framework to help determine whether or not South Africa is representing Africa in the two above-...