UNITY AMIDST DIVERSITY: INVESTIGATING CULTURAL EXCHANGE, ECONOMIC TRADE, AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN SOUTH AFRICACHINA RELATIONS DURING THE ZUMA ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

This article examines the South Africa-China relationship during Jacob Zuma's administration from 2013 to 2017, with a focus on whether it was mutually beneficial from an Afrocentric perspective. Through a desktop qualitative research approach using secondary data analysis, the article emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding African phenomena from an African perspective rather than using a Eurocentric lens and highlights key areas like cultural exchange, financial trade, wildlife conservation, and tourism. The study establishes that South Africa's shift towards the East brought about changes in foreign policy with a greater focus on "realpolitik" rather than human rights.Despite this, the relationship proved to be mutually beneficial, with agreements signed between both countries in mining, energy, environment, and transport. The article recommends the strengthening of bilateral relations further to overcome challenges that may arise and maximize mutual gains. However, the article also highlights concerns such as the de-industrialization of South Africa's economy as a result of China, China's contribution to the destruction and marginalization of South African indigenous languages, China's usage of South Africa and the African continent as a testing ground for alternative policies, and poaching by Chinese nationals posing a threat to South African tourism and the identity of some African South African communities.