South African President Jacob Zuma has been welcomed to the United Kingdom with all the necessary pomp and ceremony. But, although the UK remains one of South Africa's largest trade and investment partners, it cannot take its position for granted. South Africa and the UK have historic ties which are being frayed by global political and economic realities.
In the competition for access to Africa's markets and natural resources, emerging economies like Brazil, China and India are doing much in terms of trade and investment to win the support of African governments. South Africa is the continent's economic powerhouse and for many international companies is the launch-pad into the rest of the continent. It is being courted by many in international political and economic forums. For his part, Zuma must convince the powerful investment managers in the City of London that the South African economy will continue to be well-run, despite demands for changes in policy by trade union leaders, among others. So far, Zuma has rebuffed calls for change in policy but he must deliver on his promises of economic and social stability, if he is to win the foreign investment and political support that South Africa needs to build on its achievements.
