An Analysis of South Africa’s Foreign Policy Priorities on Africa

This research paper explores the nexus between South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies between 2018 and 2022, using a neoclassical realist framework, and with a focus on South Africa’s foreign policy priorities on Africa. It measures the state’s performance against its pronounced foreign policy priorities towards the continent. This paper aims to examine whether the citizens of South Africa are an asset or a liability to the state’s stated foreign policy objectives. Furthermore, it examines how South Africa can improve its foreign policy such that the domestic developments in the state may positively impact the African continent. The paper uses qualitative research, with data analysis of case studies. The findings indicate that South Africa does not have a coherent foreign policy, which in turn negatively affects the African continent, and that South Africa is a long way from achieving a pan-Africanist foreign policy. The paper concludes by contemplating the importance of educating South African policymakers and citizens in strengthening and implementing the DIRCO’s mission and objectives.