South African Institute of International Affairs at Witswatersrand University

Today we started off the day at the South African Institute of International Affairs. The institute is located at Witswatersrand University in Joberg.

We were met by the national director, Elizabeth Sidirpoulos, who was an incredible host. We participated in lectures from 9-12 on three main topics, which included:

1) The state of governance in Southern Africa: Progress in the African Peer Review Mechanism in South Africa, presented by Faten Aggad.

During this presentation were learned a great deal about the APRM, which has been created in Africa to foster an increased civic participation and to encourage economic stability for member countries. It also seems to emphasize democracy. During this presentation there was discussion of the high rate of inflation in South Africa, which has also influenced other African countries. Specifically mentioned was the increase in food costs, up 80% in the last three years.

2) South Africa, EPA’s an SADC, presented by Nkululeko Khumalo

This presentation was about the wide variety of economic/trade agreements and organizations that exist in Africa, as well as the complications made when European countries extend trade agreements to South Africa. South Africa is currently a part of several trade organizations at the same time, however when added to the European trade agreements African countries are forced to choose which African trade organization to honor-without being allowed to continue being a part of all the previous organizations. In addition, this presentation emphasized the regional power South Africa maintains. For example, South Africa’s GDP is 19% of the total African GDPs combined and about 80 times larger than the average African countries.

3) Internal Situation in South African and Situation in Zimbabwe, presentation by Elizabeth Sidirpoulos.

This presentation was excellent. She discussed the issues facing South Africa today, suggesting that the “honeymoon” period following the end of apartheid might be over-and that the rest of the world might no longer view South Africa as an example of what an African country can do to reinvent it’s self and might be seen as just another country. This might be intensified by the selection of Jacob Zuma as the leader of the ANC, which might lead to a presidential nomination. (see paragraph below for information on Zuma controversy). Additional issues facing South Africa include: power shortages/rolling blackouts, continued high crime rates, xenophobic attacks, abuse of state for personal gain, and a rudderless government.

Overall the presentations were excellent.

About Zuma….
Jacob Zuma was selected in December 2007 as the new party leader of the ANC, often thought to lead to a presidential nomination for the party. He “outed” the incumbent president, Mbeki. This is an incredible honor, as it is the party and position that Nelson Mandela held. However, Jacob Zuma is no Nelson Mandela. Specifically notable are the trails he has been a part of. First, he was accused of being a part of a corruption right that existed in the government. Second, he was accused of raping a woman-but said that it was consensual. In addition, he admitted that he knew she was HIV positive, but had a shower after to protect himself (which led to large numbers of people consulting medical professionals as to the truth in the “shower” method to prevent transmission of the disease). Third, he is thought to be involved in a less than honest arms deal. It is shocking to think that he was selected to a position of leadership in the ANC.