"BLS-South Africa: a reassessment of dependence"

Abstract

This thesis examines the economic linkages between Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, and the Republic of South Africa. Previous studies emphasise that the linkages are characterised by dependence of the weaker economies on the stronger. Given the great differences in the political systems and aspirations of the states concerned, the connection between the economic linkages and politics obviously has considerable significance. This study focuses on the so-called 'politics of dependence' as well as the more conceptual question of the meaning of dependence. How this concept can be applied to the economic linkages is examined, and a model of dependence developed accordingly. The model is a qualification of previous writers' conceptions of the linkages involved and, therefore, presents a new perspective. Previous conceptions, in the writers view, have been overly deterministic and overstressed the dependent position of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, without considering the potential for change. From a survey of dependence literature and the actual economic linkages considered, this study attempts to show that dependence, and its application to relevant linkages, is a dynamic concept and not as deterministic as has sometimes been considered. Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland are accordingly not as helplessly trapped as much of the literature about them would suggest. Instead, it will be argued, they have a degree of freedom of political and economic behaviour. Within their relationship with South Africa, there is some scope for change. That the three states do not have equal freedom of behaviour however is a theme that this study develops as well. Contrasts or differences apart, the three black states to a greater or lesser extent, are dependent on South Africa, a state whose policies they oppose. It is the politics of this dependence that this paper investigates so as to develop some fresh and, hopefully, original insights.