Public Perception of International Influence in South Africa
South Africans have shown a clear preference for international cooperation and trade, with many expressing positive views on the influence of major global and regional players. According to recent surveys, a significant majority of citizens are satisfied with how the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recognize South Africa’s needs and interests in their decision-making processes. Specifically, 60% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the AU’s approach, while 58% felt similarly about SADC.
Moreover, a large majority—75%—believe that African countries should have a greater say in international decision-making bodies such as the United Nations. This sentiment reflects a desire for more representation and influence on the global stage. When it comes to trade policies, about six in 10 citizens (61%) prefer free trade over limiting international trade to protect domestic producers. A similar majority (57%) supports open trade with countries around the world, although nearly four in 10 would prioritize trade with African or Southern African countries.
Despite this openness, only 12% of respondents say they have heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), indicating a lack of awareness about key regional economic initiatives.
Evaluating International Influence
Positive assessments of international influence significantly outweigh negative ones across several key players. For instance, 68% of South Africans view China’s influence as positive, compared to 14% who see it negatively. Similarly, 59% view the AU positively, while 57% perceive SADC’s influence as positive. The European Union (EU) and the United States also receive more positive than negative evaluations, at 50% and 46%, respectively. India and Russia follow with 41% and 40% positive assessments, while the United Kingdom garners 37% positive responses.
The impact of these relationships is evident in various areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States was cited as the most helpful by 22% of citizens, followed by the AU and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (20%), and China (15%). Notably, 65% of South Africans believe China’s influence on the country is substantial, with 68% viewing it as positive—a significant increase from 2022, when these figures were 56% and 37%, respectively.
Regional and Global Engagement
South Africa has long played a pivotal role in regional and global affairs. Since joining the AU in 1994, it has contributed significantly to continental affairs by championing economic integration through intra-African trade and promoting peace through conflict mediation and peacekeeping missions. During its chairmanship of the AU in 2020, South Africa pushed for fairer development finance, access to vaccines, and support for economic recovery in the Global South.
In 2023, the AU was admitted as a permanent member of the G20, marking a significant step toward greater African representation in global economic governance. South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in 2025 will be the first time an African country leads the multilateral forum, offering an opportunity to highlight African priorities such as climate change, debt relief, fair trade, and infrastructure investment.
Economic Relationships and Challenges
South Africa’s largest bilateral trading partners include China, the United States, and Germany. However, recent developments have posed challenges. In August of this year, South African exports to the United States faced a 30% tariff, causing significant harm to agricultural, manufacturing, and mining sectors. In response, the government is looking to leverage the AfCFTA to foster greater economic integration and cooperation across the continent.
Trade within the BRICS group is also growing, representing 21% of South Africa’s total trade volume in 2024, led by China and India. New markets such as Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates are also gaining momentum, signaling a diversification of trade relationships.
Public Opinion and Future Outlook
As the G20 summit in Johannesburg approaches, public opinion highlights a strong desire for international cooperation and trade. Two-thirds of South Africans view China’s economic and political influence positively, with perceptions of its influence recovering in 2025 after a decline between 2015 and 2022.
Public assessments of other international actors remain largely positive, with a majority seeing the influence of the AU, SADC, EU, United States, India, Russia, and the UK as more positive than negative. About six in 10 express satisfaction with how South Africa’s needs and interests are recognized in AU and SADC decision-making, while three-quarters emphasize the need for stronger African voices on global platforms.
Although open trade is widely supported, awareness of the AfCFTA remains low. Among those who have heard of the Ukraine-Russia war, most want their country to maintain a neutral stance.