ABSTRACT
The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) was conceived as an integrated programme, which aims to provide peace and security for South Africans, build the nation, and link the reconstruction and development of the country, while deepening democracy. In essence the new South Africa is a developing country that had to adopt the RDP not only in order to redress the social and economic fall-out of the previous dispensation, but also to ensure the stability and survival of this infant democracy. The South African government, since the new dispensation in 1994, had clearly identified, in the RDP programme and Growth, Employment and Redistribution programme strategy, what was required for the successful social and economic development of South Africa. Japan hosted the conference with the objective of encouraging the political and economic reform efforts of African countries and promoting better understanding of the conditions in Africa.
