Towards a Post-Apartheid Future Political and Economic Relations in Southern Africa

The 1980s was a period of turmoil and economic regression for most of the countries of Southern Africa. However, the 1990s dawned with more optimism prevalent than for many years. Namibian independence, peace initiatives in Angola and Mozambique, and the moves by the South African government to unban various political organizations (notably the ANC) and release political prisoners (notably Nelson Mandela) provided new hopes for an end to long-standing political instability in the region.;This book analyzes the political process both in South Africa and the SADCC countries. The importance of parliamentary and extra-parliamentary politics in South Africa is discussed and political change in that country is related to the regional and international environments. The book assesses the likely trends and pitfalls. Economic development in the region will be influenced by the politics and the book analyzes the economic performance of South Africa and the SADCC countries, problems of economic growth, development strategies, trade and other ties and prospects for closer co-operation.