South Africa’s position in Africa cannot be properly assessed without an overall view of the composition of the Republic’s population. The relations between the various communities will have a crucial effect on relations with the rest of Africa. It is not only a question of a large homogeneous group of blacks and a small white one but the differences between various black ethnic groups plays an important role. What is then evident from this is the fact that South Africans are trying to work out a pattern of co-existence. South Africa has played a significant role in international affairs with regard to South West Africa and is one of the most developed countries in Africa, for which ample statistics is given. Trade agreements between South Africa and other African countries have made South Africa economically strong. All of this explains why South Africa has a constructive role to play in Africa, however this role was denied because of several reasons. Regardless of this, co-operation in Southern Africa is bearing fruit and relations are improving.
