Flockless shepherd : is South Africa’s performance in African Security governance marginal?

Abstract

The year 2014 is a milestone for South Africa. It marks twenty years of the end of apartheid. The moment is right to reflect on how far the country has come. This article focuses on South Africa’s external influence in Africa. Based on the variables of compellence, assurance, prevention and protection, it is argued that the country has been punching well below its weight. Examples are drawn from its actions in the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Libya and even Zimbabwe to show that the country is underperforming in the realm of ensuring African security governance. To meet the expectations ascribed to it as an anchor state in Africa the country’s leaders will first need to confront the mammoth domestic problems bedevilling South Africa.