An investigation into the role of hegemons in Regional Politics : a case study of South Africa in the SADC Region
Abstract
This research set out to investigate the role of hegemons in regional politics, a case
study of South Africa in the SADC region. A hegemon is a state with capabilities such
as military prowess, international accreditation, economic viability and hence
dominance. Based on the above characteristics, South Africa is a hegemon in SADC.
The research found out that South Africa plays a role in the politics of the SADC
region. This role includes: sponsoring peacekeeping missions; ensuring economic
stability by supporting economic blocks such as SACU and the Common Monetary
Area; contributing to service delivery by exporting its businesses north of the
Limpopo; and also by acting as a shelter to refugees and migrants fleeing :from
political persecution and economic strife in neighbouring countries.
Moreover, it was established that the performance of this role by South Africa
generates perceptions from other SADC states. These perceptions range :from
admiration for the wealth and dominance of the Pretoria government, to suspicion and
hatred, originating in vestiges of the former apartheid government's policies, and also
in what is considered South Africa's xenophobic trade and immigration policies.
Based on these findings, a number of recommendations were advanced. They include:
Cooperative leadership between South Africa and other SADC states; the use of South
Africa's dominance to promote the region's economic and political stability under the
banner of the Southern African Development Community; and efforts by the South
African government to vigorously tackle aspects of latent conflicts such as poverty,
xenophobia and crime in the country.
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