Browsing by Author "Phetha, Rejoice Hlengiwe."

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A comparative analysis of South Africa's foreign policy on the Central African Republic and Nigeria since 1994.
(2018) Phetha, Rejoice Hlengiwe.; Mngomezulu, Bhekithemba Richard.
Since ridding itself of apartheid in 1994, South Arica (SA) has been portrayed as an important regional power in Africa, as opposed to being dubbed a pariah state prior to 1994. Importantly, South Africa is increasingly being seen as a significant global player in the debates about reforming the global governance architecture to create a fairer international order. As the global balance of power changes, new and old powers are investing more in terms of cultivating new and deeper relationships. During the first two decades of democracy, South Africa positioned itself internationally through bilateral and multilateral engagements. However, the policy contents and realities of the foreign policies of South Africa, Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAR) have not been systematically and adequately studied. The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative study on South Africa’s foreign policy towards CAR and Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to investigate the nature of South Africa’s foreign policy towards Nigeria and CAR and the factors which determined the country’s foreign policy agenda. The use of two international relations theories, i.e. realism and neo-functionalism assisted in understanding the complex foreign policy issues. The study used a mixed-methods approach where five key informant interviews were conducted and one hundred and fifty survey questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. The study found that South Africa has been visible in its foreign policy footprints by being involved in the African peace mediation efforts. The increasing importance of soft power in the global politics is recognised both in the literature and among scholars and practitioners of international relations. Although South Africa faces a number of challenges in constructing its new democratic institutions, it has emerged as one of the most important countries which has imbedded the ‘Ubuntu’ philosophy in its foreign policy posture. The idea of Africanization has become entrenched in South Africa’s identity which has over-stretched the state that is striving to meet the idealistic demands placed upon its fragile democracy. The study revealed South Africa’s policy influence on the global policy and policy innovation. Moreover, it concluded that the presence of South Africa in Nigeria has resulted in increased trade and restored peace in CAR, but also created a number of opportunities in both CAR and Nigeria. Furthermore, the study established the strategic relevance of Nigeria and Central African Republic to South Africa. This has contributed to a broader understanding of the factors that shape South Africa’s foreign policy agenda. However, further research should be conducted on the role of South Africa’s foreign policy in enhancing continental integration.
Peace-keeping and conflict resolution : an examination of South Africa's role in the Central African Republic.
(2015) Phetha, Rejoice Hlengiwe.; Mngomezulu, Bhekithemba Richard.
Given the destabilizing effect which conflicts have had on Africa’s socio economic and political development, attempts have been made by the combination of state and non-state actors towards ensuring the prevention of conflicts before they occur and including the setting up of the required capacity to deal with them once they have occurred. South Africa’s involvement in conflict resolution in the Southern African region has been accompanied by both successes and failures. While it is true that South Africa has been instrumental in bringing about peace in countries such as Burundi, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and many other African countries, it is equally true that such initiatives have faced certain challenges for the country – both internally and on the global front. South Africa’s hegemonic status has been affirmed by some while also being challenged by others. Be that as it may, the country’s geographical location as well as its military and economic strength, have placed the country at an advantaged position as one of the leading nations in conflict resolutions and peacekeeping in Africa. In view of the forgoing, this study used document analysis and desktop research to examine the role played by South Africa in the Central African Republic (CAR). Using the conflict theory as its framework of analysis and content analysis as its research methodology, the study looked at the nexus between South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy in its dealings with the conflict situation in the CAR. The study further examined the challenges and successes that South Africa came across while being involved in the peacekeeping mission in Africa in general and in the CAR in particular since the demise of apartheid. The findings revealed that what is presently at play is a continuation of South Africa’s involvement in peacekeeping and conflict resolution mechanisms in Africa despite criticisms levelled against the country by certain commentators. The study recommends a re-definition of South Africa’s foreign policy focus to accommodate more countries in Africa in terms of security and peacekeeping. Lastly, the study recommends that there should be consistency in the manner in which South Africa propagates its foreign policy imperatives. Failure to do so will subject the country to further criticisms.