Geography and development in the 'new' South Africa

Since 1990 political developments in South Africa have unfolded apace, with the long awaited death of apartheid the triumph of the country's first democratic elections in April 1994 and the proclamation of the charismatic Nelson Mandela as first president of the 'new' South Africa. In a remarkably short space of time the 'Rainbow Nation' has emerged and become accepted, and indeed respected, on the African and world stages. The world needs such momentous events from time to time, to temper the gloom and doom of everyday news which too often feeds on problems and disasters. In particular; at the present time, the African continent urgently needs to reincorporate the 'new' South Africa with its power; influence and potential. Following some initial observations, this article explores some of the main priorities for post-apartheid South Africa, both internally and internationally. A broad overview is provided from which more detailed study could follow, and some important questions are raised.