Business beyond borders

The Zuma government's foreign policy will be more about commerce than high-minded diplomacy

The appointment of the inexperienced Maite Nkoana-Mashabane as Foreign Minister in the new African National Congress (ANC) government suggests that President Jacob Zuma will dominate foreign policy, with his strong economic team of Planning Minister Trevor Manuel and Trade Minister Rob Davie (AC Vol 50 Nos 11 & 12). Policy is likely to align more with economic rather than ethical imperatives, to underplay Thabo Mbeki's vision of an African renaissance and focus on African rather than global issues. Links with Brazil, China and India may take precedence over ties with the West.

Article Tags:
Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Jacob Zuma, Trevor Manuel, Rob Davie, Thabo Mbeki, Brazil, China, India, United States, Barack Obama, Donald Gips, Tokyo Sexwale, Sandile Zungu, Vivian Reddy, Malaysia, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Aaron Motsoaledi, Moammar el Gadaffi, Angola

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