“In this paper we explore the dynamics of the South African decision-making
process, with specific reference to the South Africa-European Union (SA-EU)
Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA). The aim is to
identify and understand the key characteristics of the policy formulation
process, and then explore briefly the extent to which stakeholders in South and southern Africa were incorporated. We adopt and adapt a decisionmaking model in order to construct a template that can be used to evaluate
critically the South African policy formulation process. The template suggests
there are four key components to be considered; the statal process, detached
observers, the internal environment and the external environment. We conclude that whilst in theory the South African decision-making process is both transparent and inclusive, in reality there are shortcomings that may exclude certain sections of civil society.”
