Ayesha Kajee
May 18, 2007As far as South Africa's role in the G8 goes, it has a degree of clout within international organizations that is perhaps not reflected within its economic power. It's almost a strong moral perception that South Africa is a key driver economically and politically on the continent.
The fact that South Africa is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council means that it has a say in negotiating conflicts on the continent. Certainly on the issue of Darfur, it has a more influential role than any of the other G8 countries.
Other issues such as foreign aid to Africa, particularly in healthcare and the burgeoning HIV/AIDS epidemic will feature on the G8 agenda. And there will also be some pressure from South Africa for more action on infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis.