Step it up, South Africa

South Africa's rulers lead the most powerful nation in Africa; they should start acting like it.
As Africa's strongest economy and most successful democracy, South Africa has had ample opportunity to provide African solutions for African problems. However, this has proven to be easier said than done. This failure has severely undermined South Africa's credibility in the international arena.South Africa's major obstacle in fulfilling its potential as Africa's political and economic powerhouse rests with the ruling African National Congress' (ANC) historical loyalties, both throughout the continent and domestically. Many of the ANC's allies during the apartheid era have become political liabilities for the South African leadership. But redefining these relationships has been a challenge that, unfortunately, South Africa’s leadership has failed to meet. Until and unless the ANC makes a break with the past, South Africa will not be a credible leader on the continent.Apartheid-era ties hindered South Africa's ability to act during the uprising in Libya earlier this year. President Jacob Zuma tried but was ultimately unable to provide a diplomatic solution to the standoff between Colonel Qaddafi and the National Transitional Council. Zuma was defiant in his support for Qaddafi even when the international community had turned against the Libyan dictator. One cannot help but think that internal pressure from the ANC was being exerted on Zuma to stand steadfast in his support for the Libyan leader due to loyalties and alliances formed during the apartheid struggle. It is a well-documented fact, that Qaddafi financed anti-apartheid fighters and provided the ANC with financial backing in the mid and late 1990s, but such acts should not give him or any other leader immunity from receiving criticism from South Africa's leaders.Closer to home, South Africa's solution to the "Zimbabwe problem" and that country’s leader, Robert Mugabe, has been nothing short of pathetic. South Africa’s policy of "Quiet Diplomacy," promoted by former president Thabo Mbeki, has proven to be ineffective. The ANC's historical loyalties to Zimbabwe and particularly Robert Mugabe place them in a complex position. Robert Mugabe aided the anti-apartheid movement in providing training camps for ANC anti-apartheid fighters, financial support and access to South Africa's border. Were it not for Mugabe and his support during the apartheid struggle, South Africa's present may be very different from the present we know and see today. However, this is no reason for giving blind support to a dictator who commits human rights violations and ignores international laws and treaties. As Zimbabwe's primary economic partner, South Africa holds considerable leverage over its neighbor to the north. It should use this influence to sway Zimbabwe toward political change and democratization.Domestically, the ruling party's apparent solution to the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) problem, and its leader, Julius Malema, further damages South Africa's reputation among western powers. Malema has repeatedly used hate speech as well as racist and ethnic slurs, creating an environment of extreme political tension. His outbursts have resulted in him being somewhat alienated by senior ANC party members, and his support among South Africa's youth, according to a recent TNS survey, has declined drastically. However, the ANC's refusal to discard such political deadweight has severely weakened international investor confidence in South Africa, and as a result questions have emerged as to South Africa’s ability to be a major political and economic player in the global arena.South Africa should establish itself as the provider of African solutions to African problems. In order to successfully implement such a policy, South Africa needs to be less bound to past loyalties and allegiances. First, South Africa should clean up its own backyard. The ANC should dismiss Julius Malema for bringing the party into disrepute and creating an environment of extreme hostility and racism in an already fragile political system. Second, South Africa needs to play a greater role in the African Union (AU), using it to bind together African states and broadcast a clear and coordinated political and economic message. Finally, South Africa should use the AU as a foundation to apply pressure on rogue African leaders, such as Zimbabwe's Mugabe and Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang. South Africa should strive to be a champion and defender of human rights on the continent. Doing so will increase South Africa's credibility within the global community.With influence comes responsibility. South Africa's leaders have the power to promote a strong, unified African political message and an efficient and vibrant economic agenda. It is not a question of resources or ability but rather a question of political will. South Africa needs to step it up.

Photo courtesy of PhilipNotPhil, via Flickr.