South African foreign policy under Zuma administration: a case study of Al-Bashir, human rights and National interest

The purpose of the study was to conduct an analysis on whether the foreign policy under the Zuma administration served to protect and promote human rights or whether it served national interest. This was done by analyzing foreign relationships South Africa had under the Zuma administration. The analysis of the research was guided by answering whether the initial 1993 ANC human rights orientated foreign policy was still practiced or whether it was more focused on national interest. Previous work has failed to address the relationships South Africa had with undemocratic and/or authoritarian states during Zuma’s tenure, this includes the arms deal trade with the Arabic states, Russia and China, which resulted in the overlooking of human rights violations by its foreign relations, which resulted in the 1993 ANC proclamations of a human rights orientated foreign policy being no longer practiced. The study followed the qualitative research approach, with the use of documentary analysis for the purpose of the literature review, with the use of case studies. The findings hold that the South African foreign policy during the Zuma administration prioritized national interest and the protection of its foreign relations. The findings also highlight the importance of public participation in international agreements prior to the legalization of them. This study also provided suggestions for future research projects, which will allow for the public to be involved in decisions - that will affect their livelihood - that are taken by the state and to be able to hold the executive accountable for the decisions they make.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 202