Country:

Hungary, the Republic of South Africa (RSA)

Subject:

Hungarian-South African relations

Summary

The expansion of Hungarian-South African diplomatic, economic and cultural relations needs a new impetus, since the original momentum that existed a decade and a half ago has faltered somewhat. The South African economy is the most effective on the African Continent that resolutely asserts its interests in respect of regional and global economic policy initiatives. Hungary could complement and enhance her presence in Africa by improving bilateral relations. At the moment this presence is confined to the pursuance of the Africa-policy dictated by the European Union's former colonial powers.

Analysis

By taking a bold step and some risks that determined bilateral relations, Hungary was the first among the Central European countries to establish diplomatic ties with the RSA in 1990, a few years before the first free South African elections. In the spirit of reciprocity, the RSA - for the first time in our region - opened a diplomatic representation in Budapest in April 1990, some two months after the historic speech delivered by President De Klerk that determined the course of the South African regime change, as well as some four years prior to the elections that officially marked the end of that process. Whereas the vast geographic distance and different social circumstances separate the two countries, some parallel issues with respect to the regime change justified and would still justify closer political and economic relations. The RSA asked for assistance, which Hungary provided with regard to the establishment of specific political institutions (i.e. the constitutional court). The RSA secured its first major economic investment in Hungary (the purchase of the Köbánya Brewery for some $100m). Trade relations grew dynamically. There were periods following the millenary when Hungary had the region's largest commercial turnover with the RSA, overtaking the Czech Republic and Poland. It was not incidental and should be seen as a political signal, that - on his farewell tour - besides Moscow and two Asian capitals, President Nelson Mandela visited Budapest too.

Apart from economic interests that vindicate the expansion of relations, it is an important consideration for Hungary that - on the African Continent - several thousands of Hungarians live in the territory of the RSA alone. Many of them also play important roles in that country's economic, commercial, scientific and cultural life. These people are in the position to act as coordinators between the two countries. Thus, Hungary perceived the RSA as a natural bridgehead during the transformation process pertaining to the earlier, mainly artificial and ideologically oriented relationship. Economic and Euroatlantic integration issues had to be considered with regard to the establishment of Hungarian diplomatic representations in a sub-Sahara country. In light of the outstanding achievements of RSA, the enhancement of our scientific relations is justified and obvious. The potentials of Hungarian cultural products in the South African market are significant too.

The RSA is one of the most stable democracies on the African Continent thus it provides a sound foundation and a guarantee for the realisation of all these possibilities. Furthermore, its economy is the strongest in Africa, which alone produces 25% of the continent's GDP. Moreover, there are other factors too that support the postulation that the RSA is an outstanding economic power in Africa and the global arena alike: its gold production for example – with an annual 400 tons – is by far the largest in the world. During the past one and a half decade, its continually growing economy demanded increasingly more energy resources. Since the country's oil, gas and electricity supplies depend on imports; its investors ostensibly focus on the countries of the sub-continent (Angola, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Sudan and Burundi), which are able to satisfy this growing demand. The RSA has used its political influence too, to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of energy supplies. It assumes a leading role in the settlement of crises that resulted from grave and often bloody conflicts in some of these countries (Congo, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea). Consequently, the RSA has accomplished significant regional influence. Its leading role in the African Union is indisputable. The issue of handling similar crises dominate the agenda of other global forums too. The influence of the RSA is also significant in the various forums of the UN and the African Partnership, which is also sponsored by the G-8.The regional and global role, is pivotal to country's newly acquired national identity. Hence, it assumes a leading role in the development of the African Continent, primarily in the creation of the intergovernmental organisation, namely the New Partnership for African Development – NEPAD, which acts as the African partner of the European Union and the G8. The RSA's aspirations to assume a global role is further underlined by its covert or overt, yet unequivocal claim to one of the seats in the UN SC, if and when they are granted to Africa following the pending reform of the institution.

However, Hungarian-South African political relations have stagnated for some time. The Hungarian General Consulate in Cape Town has closed. While the trade balance has been in favour of Hungary for years, Hungarian exports could be increased further. With respect to African relations, it is a real challenge for Hungarian foreign policy to exploit the opportunities to the utmost, which stem from Hungary's European Union membership too.

For the time being however, the performance of the Hungarian economy restricts the country's role in the mutual development policy. Hence, the limited resources that are currently available for development should be accompanied by viable projects. This however, requires a competent information medium too. Ostensibly, Hungary cannot compete with the former colonial powers.

In contrast, the enhancement of relations with the RSA could provide a better insight for Hungarian diplomacy in respect of the thus far hidden potentials of the African Continent. Furthermore, participation in development policy does not only offer appropriate guarantee for financial resources. Good governance, the strengthening of democratic institutions and combating corruption are areas, which too, facilitate the prudent spending of development resources and in this regard, Hungary's experiences could be significant. The relationship established at the beginning of the Hungarian and South African regime changes pointed in this direction. The experiences of the past one and a half decade offer a window of opportunity for progress in the future.

Conclusion

The Hungarian government - primarily for economic interests - should focus again on the enhancement of our presence in Africa, as well as inject new impetus into Hungarian-South African relations to the benefit of both parties. A more dominant Hungarian presence in the RSA could underpin and augment the development of our relations on the Continent in general and with other countries of Southern Africa in particular. Thus, the opportunities offered by our European Union membership could be exploited more efficiently.