Political Science

Introduction to South Africa  and Africa

Thesis statement
Capacity of South Africa and African countries to take control of their development
Responsibility of developed economies to African development

Determinants that inform South Africa which path to choose while standing on the crossroads and what this choice reveals to the rest of its continental neighbors.
Conclusion

Introduction
South Africa is one the most influential countries among African countries. Its diplomatic relations with other African countries has a great role to play in the contemporary African economies. Its location and political experience places her  strategically for a position of responsibility in Africas affairs. It is one of the most developed economies in Africa with great resources of gold (number one producer in the world) coal, manganese, platinum, tin, copper, natural gas and salt.  Its political revolution up to date is also worthy of noting. The development progresses in this country and the whole of Africa has faced political conflict which needs to be eradicated.  On the other hand, the role of the developed economies on Africa countries cannot be overlooked

Thesis statement
If South Africa as well as African economies as a whole have to achieve sustainable development, then economic development has to precede politics and be cloistered by accountability and unity.

Many countries in the world are on the cross roads of political development and one of these countries is South Africa. According to (Kenneth 286), South Africa is strategically positioned, endowed with mineral wealth and has high polity. South Africa has a long history of political and economic activity. The apartheid rule was one of the worst rules experienced in South Africa and the world for that matter. It was characterized by racial discrimination of the black people by the white.  Before 1994 South Africa political set up was dictatorial and opposition political parties were banned. However, external pressure from the world and internal pressure of civil societies saw the release of former president, Nelson Mandela who was opposed to apartheid. African national Congress and Pan Africans Congress parties were also legalized.

This was a new dispensation of political democracy that South Africans had been fighting for. Today, South Africa has sailed through remarkable political democracy, holding free and fair elections since the transition. It is a big achievement that South Africa has sixteen political parties represented in the parliament and a current president, Jacob Zuma who was freely and fairly elected without any election violence that is characteristic of elections in Africa. According to (Katharine 1057), South Africa has invested a lot in its economic development plans. In the transport sector, harbors, railway networks, and airways are under Transnet limited a state owned parastatal.  The principal harbors which South Africa has invested in are six. These include Richard Bay, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban and Saldanha. The country has nine airports. It is estimated that more than 30 shipping serves the South African port.

Education to population under 7 to 16 years old is compulsory. With 21 universities, the education systems seem to have achieved a remarkable progress. Tourism has also been given a much attention by the government. South Africa has climatic conditions, wild life and picturesque sceneries which act as a great attraction to tourists.

In the international trade South Africa has invested as much. South is the number one exporter of gold in the world. It also exports other minerals like copper, tin and natural gas. She also exports agricultural products like maize. The government is in the process of combating human trafficking which is very high in South Africa due to its geographical location.

South Africa has also invested in diplomatic efforts. It is the country which has been hosting reconciliation talks to end the political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe. It also has a great influence especially to politics in southern African countries.

However as remarked by (Saja 479) there has been a big debate surrounding government approaches to economic inequality, land reforms, corruption, basic service delivery and Zimbabwe crisis. High corruption by top government officials has hindered economic growth as well as the capacity of South Africa and African countries to take control of their development

It is apparent that most African countries are undergoing democratic transition. Some countries in Africa have experienced civil wars and poor political leadership with little regard to social welfare. The misuse of democracy has been witnessed in some countries.  Political leaders out of their selfish ambitions have been organizing rebellions against the governments especially in countries endowed with economical natural resources.  The political movements pushing for more political freedom have also increased remarkably.  Corruption has become an unstoppable phenomenon among many African governments. Okechukwu postulate that as Africa embrace this democracy the goal to ensure sustainable development should not be compromised (p. 57). It is the economic development that should precede political development. He also suggests that African countries have big resource base and development potential which should be linked with state and the society to ensure development. It is apparent that many African countries are far from achieving the capacity to control their development. The increase of coups especially in western African countries and fall of Zimbabwe economy speaks a lot about this. However, this is not a general case to all African countries. Countries like Botswana and Malawi are registering very good progress with Malawi achieving food security.

Responsibility of developed economies to African development
African countries are ranked as developing economies. The general characteristic facing these countries are poor infrastructures, low level of capital stock and capital formation, low level of skilled man power, technological backwardness, political instabilities and high levels of unemployment. The developed economies have a responsibility to fund improvement of infrastructures, provide more capital, provide training so as to increase skilled manpower in African countries, promote technological exchange with African countries, and provide forums for reconciliation to political enemies among African countries and help in overall economic development so as to ensure increase in employment levels. However the involvement of these wealthy countries in helping Africa need to involve Africans and be carried in good faith without oppressive conditions being attached to any aid. 

South Africa needs great help from these countries since the problems facing her are many. The HIV Aids is one of the big problems South Africa is fighting against. South Africa also needs to develop its infrastructures to meet international standards. The current ongoing preparations for football world cup competition also need great funding from the rich countries. The efforts to combat high cases of crimes in South Africa should also receive boost from these rich countries.

Determinants that inform South Africa which path to choose while standing on the crossroads and what this choice reveals to the rest of its continental neighbors.

South Africa has been a good economical and political example to many countries in Africa. Although a bad example in social issues, it has a lot to be leant from. The promotion of democracy has been out of South African government efforts to ensure peoples voice is heard. Peoples dissatisfaction with low representation in the government has acted as a factor to allow more political democracy.

The social welfare of South African people is also highly considered while making decisions. The South African government has also been promoting cohesion among different tribes and races in South Africa population.

The strategic location of South Africa has also influenced South Africa decisions. The high investments to built ports and air ports are just an example.  Since South Africa is served by more than thirty shipping lines, it has to take economic advantage of this location. The presence of good sceneries and wildlife has also lead to South Africa government promotion of tourism to achieve high foreign exchange and promote economic growth.  The south Africa success to being offered a chance to host the football world  championships 2010 events also shows that  she is opportunities perceiving country and this surely  carries a great potential for South Africa achieving exponential growth.

Conclusion
It is clear that South Africa is one of the countries whose role in Africa cannot be ignored. The political and economic lessons to be learnt by its continental neighbors are substantial. Its political democracy, peace and high economic achievements are part of these achievements.  South Africas diplomatic activities to ensure peace in Africa also need to be rewarded. However, much need to be done to emphasize economic development and ensure accountability in the government. At the same time economic development need to be prioritized by African countries, based on one people, united for a common goal and for better future of the generation to come.