From apartheid to advocacy: South Africa’s foreign policy journey over the last 30 years

South Africa’s foreign policy over the past 30 years has been characterised by a commitment to Pan-Africanism, South-South cooperation and multilateralism. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has positioned itself as a bridge between the developed and developing worlds, leveraging its unique history and economic potential. Key strengths include its role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping across the continent, active participation in regional organisations, and advocacy for African interests in global forums. South Africa has also been a strong proponent of economic integration within Africa, supporting initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area. However, weaknesses have emerged in the form of inconsistent policy implementation, tensions between idealistic goals and pragmatic interests, and occasional diplomatic missteps. South Africa’s economic interests, the study found, sometimes conflict with its stated principles. Additionally, domestic challenges such as economic inequality and social unrest have limited South Africa’s ability to project influence.