| dc.description.abstract | Great power can be studied in terms of the logic of small-number systems. Since South
Africa is conceived to be a “leader”, it is also expected to demonstrate its leadership capacity
on the continent. The purpose of this study was determining prospects and challenges of
South Africa in a move to accomplish great power status. The objective of the study was to
examine the prospects and challenges of South Africa great power status by examining South
Africa military capabilities, South Africa’s industrial/economic development and if they
qualify as great power; South Africa’s political stability, issues of ideology, foreign policy
and democratization. The study descriptively analyzed the relationship between South Africa
and other African countries through an “inside-out” approach. South Africa as a country was
evaluated in order to see whether it has the capacity to successfully lead a hegemonic project
of regional development. The study mainly relied on secondary data sources obtained from
books, journals, government briefs, Newspapers, NGO publications and internet sources. In
addition interviews with foreign policy experts served as an illustration to strengthen the
overall study. The study concluded that South Africa is Africa’s largest Gross Domestic
Product (GDP), with a diverse economy, and a government that has played an active role in
promoting regional peace and stability, hence it is poised to have a substantial impact on the
economic and political future of Africa. However, there are still opportunities to address the
core problems behind contemporary political violence. Therefore foreign policy, being an
extension of national policy and interests, is an important component in South Africa’s
strategy for development and social purposes. The study recommends increased capacity
building in terms of highly skilled human capital to propel South Africa to greater heights of
economic prosperity. More fundamental course corrections are needed to steady South
Africa’s political stability and extinguish the slow-burning fuses that threaten long-term
stability: Expand Socioeconomic Opportunities through sustained investments in building
effective health, education, housing, sanitation service institutions and private sector job
creation; Reduce Patronage Opportunities by eliminating a political culture with the
opportunities for wealth and influence that accrue to politicians. | en |
