South African multinationals in Africa: growth and controversy

Abstract

Since the ending of apartheid, South African multinational corporations (MNCs) have become increasingly prominent in tropical Africa. However, the present profile and role reflects very much longer historical legacies. This chapter provides a brief introduction into the economic history of relations between South Africa and the continent at large, the activities of South African MNCs in the apartheid era, before moving on to explore present opportunities, challenges and controversies surrounding their role across the continent at large. The latter focuses specifically on the case of three of the most prominent South African multinationals, in the beverage, retail and mining sectors, SAB-Miller, Shoprite and Anglo American, respectively.