Globalization and the political economy of post-apartheid South Africa : the possibilities and constraints for an African state

There have been many perspectives and arguments put forward to describe the current state of post-apartheid South Africa's political economy. These have generally tended to depend on which side of the ideological spectrum one resides. Due to the chronic levels of poverty and inequality that South Africa faces, debates on economic policy have become fundamental to the new regime. Many have become perplexed and frustrated by the ruling party's approach to this debate. This is as the broad democratic movement was always thought to favour social policies when presented with political economic thesis. Whilst others believe that government has played too great a role post-1994 and should take more of a back-seat in favour of the market. The result has been a debate which has moved beyond the ideological stand-offs of the past, to a new arena of contradictions and practical analysis. What is clear is that the ANC has fundamentally shifted its economic philosophy since the context of liberation and struggle. This research seeks to make sense of this evolution and to present a theme of pragmatism and convergence.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Political Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2003

Author dc:creator

• Smith, Gary James

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8584

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/8584