This article gives background information on the island of Madagascar. It describes the geography and climate, its population, political organization, and history from its discovery by the Portuguese to independence in 1960 under President Tsirane. It then takes a look at the Malagasys: their social organization, religion, and the contingent of foreign minorities in Madagascar, before turning to what South Africa can draw from a rapprochement with Madagascar and vice versa. For South Africa, the political benefits are: one more friend on the international scene, blocking Russia’s presence in the Indian Ocean, and creating goodwill. The economic benefits are not so obvious. Madagascar is poor and needs financial assistance but the investments are not beyond South African possibilities. The author also suggests that due to the relationship between the Malagasies and the French, France can offer a link between the French-speaking African territories and South Africa.
