ABSTRACT
South Africa’s capability, both material and ideational, to assume the role of a hegemonic power in Africa in the democratic era was deficient during the presidencies of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. South Africa’s image or reputational problems on the continent are fuelled by the perception that it remains insensitive to African opinion and is too inclined to view its own interests as synonymous with the wider African interest. South Africa increasingly finds itself in a position where it is difficult, if not impossible, to harmonise the differing demands being placed upon it in terms of its Africa policy. The ‘tangible constraints on the quality and quantity of its diplomatic interventions’ and the ‘real limitations in terms of material resources’ will likely compel South Africa to accept a more modest role in a regional system where no African state enjoys preponderant power and influence.
