South Africa: Current Issues and U.S. Relations
Abstract
Over a decade after the South African majority gained its independence from white minority rule under apartheid, a system of racial segregation, the Republic of South Africa is firmly established as a regional power. With Africa's largest GDP, a diverse economy, and a government that has played an active role in the promotion of regional peace and stability, South Africa is poised to have a substantial impact on the economic and political future of Africa. The country is twice the size of Texas and has a population of almost 50 million, of which about 80% is African and 10% white. Its political system is regarded as stable, but South Africa faces serious long-term challenges arising from poverty, unemployment, and AIDS. President Thabo Mbeki resigned in September 2008 and was replaced by interim President Kgalema Motlanthe. South Africa's next elections are scheduled for April 22, 2009. The African National Congress (ANC), which led the struggle against apartheid, has dominated the political scene since the end of apartheid. Jacob Zuma, elected as head of the ANC in December 2007, is expected to be the party's choice for president after the 2009 national elections, despite a series of unresolved corruption charges. While the ANC continues to enjoy widespread support in South Africa, the party's dominance may be tested in the upcoming elections by the emergence of a breakaway party, the Congress of the People (COPE), which was created in response to the ANC's inter-party divisions that led to Mbeki's resignation. South Africa is considered to be one of the United States' two strategic partners on the continent, along with Nigeria. Bilateral relations are cordial, however, the U.S. and South African administrations have expressed differences with respect to the situations in Zimbabwe, Iran, and Iraq, and U.S. officials have articulated frustration with the South African government on positions it took while serving on the U.N. Security Council.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA500944
Entities
People
- Lauren Ploch.
Organizations
- Library of Congress