Economic integration in Southern Africa : challenges and prospects for South Africa

M.Comm.The transition of South Africa to a democracy signifies large-scale changes in the political and economic spheres. Presently one of the dominating debates in the economic circles centres around trade integration. Academics, professional economists, Government officials and other professional experts find themselves at loggerheads in an attempt to identify the most beneficial trade arrangements/blocs for SA. The fundamental aim of the paper is to analyse the effects or possible effects which different trade blocs or arrangements might have on South Africa if is to be a member. In cases where South Africa is already a member of a particular bloc, for example SACU, the purpose will be to look briefly at the past history of the arrangement, and subsequently generate debates either justifying or not South Africa's continued participation, guided by their very past experience. And if continuation is opted for, the circumstances under which that should happen have to be entertained as well. With regard to organisations like the European Union (EU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) where the trade arrangements involving South Africa are still pending the aim will be to highlight the possible benefits to be accrued and losses which might be incurred by South Africa under those agreements