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Download - LSE Theses Online - London School of Economics and ...

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entailed the restructuring <strong>of</strong> certain government processes, in a process called‘integrated governance’, <strong>and</strong> in foreign policy, the development <strong>of</strong> a more visionary<strong>and</strong> settled international outlook.Yet there is a persistent sense, in numerous analyses <strong>of</strong> South African foreignpolicy, that an expansive, activist foreign policy was expected <strong>of</strong> South Africa. Inspite <strong>of</strong> its state <strong>of</strong> internal fluidity <strong>and</strong> transformation, South Africa’soverwhelming dominance <strong>of</strong> Southern Africa – the cessation <strong>of</strong> military campaignsnotwithst<strong>and</strong>ing – created expectations <strong>of</strong> its responsibilities in the region <strong>and</strong>beyond. 216 But why did the state opt instead for a middle-range foreign policy,heightening its diplomatic presence, but remaining muted in its projection <strong>of</strong>material power?4.1.1 Institutional Arrangements for Foreign Policymaking: Consolidationunder MbekiThe role <strong>of</strong> the LegislatureIn South Africa, legislative power is held by a parliament composed <strong>of</strong> twochambers, the National Assembly <strong>and</strong> the National Council <strong>of</strong> Provinces (NCOP).The National Assembly represents the people, while the NCOP represents theprovinces in a decentralised (yet unitary) system <strong>of</strong> government. 217 The NationalAssembly can pass legislation on any matter. Such legislation must then be ratifiedby the upper house. According to the Constitution, when exercising its legislativeauthority, Parliament “is bound only by the Constitution, <strong>and</strong> must act inaccordance with, <strong>and</strong> within the limits <strong>of</strong>, the Constitution”. 218 The NationalAssembly is comprised <strong>of</strong> 350-400 members who serve for 5-year terms, on thebasis <strong>of</strong> proportional representation. It maintains the power to consider, pass,amend or reject legislation, as well as the duty to retain oversight <strong>of</strong> the executive,<strong>and</strong> any other organ <strong>of</strong> state. 219 The NCOP is comprised <strong>of</strong> a single delegation from216 Scott Kraft, “Africa’s Former Pariah Is Now a Potent Future Force”, Los AngelesTimes, April 21, 1994. Accessed online on 29 June, 2011.217 Constitution <strong>of</strong> South Africa. 1996. ‘Schedule 4: Functional areas <strong>of</strong> concurrentnational <strong>and</strong> provincial legislative competence’, accessed online at:http://www.info.gov.za/documents/constitution/1996/96conssec4.htm on 13 August,2010. South Africa is a unitary state.218 Ibid., Section 44(4).219 Ibid., Section 55.111

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