The representation and participation of provinces in international relations in South Africa, case study : Western Cape Province

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: With globalization the world has become a much smaller place and there has been an increase in thetypes of actors that take part in international relations. Even though foreign policy is normally thedomain of the national government, sub-national governments have also started to make their mark inthe international arena. The study of the role that sub-national governments play in the internationalarena, as well as how they are represented nationally has been narrowed down to South Africa and oneof its nine provinces, namely the Western Cape Province. The thesis looks at how the provinces inSouth Africa are able to play a role internationally and what powers they are given by the Constitution.In South Africa provinces are allowed to sign Twinning agreements; although these agreements are notlegally binding in terms of International Law. For this thesis I use a 'case study' design to focus thestudy, the case study for this thesis is the Western Cape Province. In terms of the researchmethodology for data collection, I conducted interviews with Minister Ivan Meyer who is the Ministerresponsible for international relation in this province. I also interviewed Mr. Roderick Thyssen who ispart of the Directorate of International Relations which forms part of the Office of the Premier. Furtherprimary data used in this study includes government documents, speeches, documentation on theagreements signed by the Western Cape Province, and the Constitution of South Africa. Secondarysources include books, journal articles and internet sources.The study uses the theory of micro-diplomacy to show the 'awareness of universal interdependence.Micro-diplomacy is not, however, a new concept but since interdependence across different levels ofgovernment has become increasingly more prevalent it has developed into an important phenomenon,requiring study. The concept implies that international relations are no longer the sole domain ofnational government, but that international relations and agreements are entered into on the provinciallevel as well, where provincial governments have taken responsibility for the 'well-being of theirrespective territorial communities and for their own political survival in them (Duchacek, 1984:15).The thesis found that even though the constitution of South Africa does not specifically give provincesthe right to enter into international relations it also has not been clearly defined, which means there isroom for interpretation. The Western Cape Province is a very active province in the international arena and market themselves in order to get more investments in the province for more funding to make itpossible to deliver services more effectively.Provinces however are encountering obstacles such as, not being financially empowered, as well aslacking some important resources. Opportunities are however given in the form of support byinstitutions, such as the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Consultative Forum of InternationalRelations (CFIR), Ministers and Members of the Executive Council (MinMecs) and the President's CoordinatingCouncil (PCC), created to represent the provinces where they can express their specificneeds and where they can also coordinate with the national sphere of government. There has been arealisation by the national government that they are no more the only actors internationally and theyhave started encouraging provinces to promote themselves.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University