SA, France seek to improve relations

South Africa and France will move to rebuild previously strained relations when visiting French President Francoise Hollande meets President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria on Monday morning.

The two countries disagreed over France's actions in Ivory Coast and Libya, as well as over who should lead the African Union Commission.

France backed Gabonese diplomat Jean Ping against South Africa's Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who won the post. But with Hollande at the helm of the French government since 2013, relations have been normalising.


Hollande's visit to South Africa is his first as Socialist Party leader and as the French President. This looks set to change France's perception towards the continent.

It has been accused of interfering in Africa's affairs with Ivory Coast and Libya still fresh in mind. But under Hollande's leadership, France's recent involvement in Mali had Africa's blessing.

This followed a telephonic conversation he had with Zuma which researcher Tom Wheeler says has marked the beginning of better relations.

“During his stay, Hollande will sign a number of agreements and declarations of intent in different areas signalling expansion in the bilateral relationship,” adds Wheeler.

sabc