Conclusion

The preceding chapters have attempted to provide a brief insight into the highlights in the evolution of thought, development of policy and action undertaken by South Africa in the last ten years in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. It is clear that South Africa has adopted a principled approach steeped in its historical experience and identity as an African and developing country. It has prioritised its energy and efforts into those areas which are capable of having the greatest effect on the lives of ordinary people and also where it has the capacity to make a contribution. Moreover, South Africa has managed to make a significant impact in this arena.

Undeniably the role South Africa has played on anti-personnel mines has been the most rewarding and easily quantifiable achievement. South Africa 's own early national decision to destroy its stocks and to support a global ban, its leadership role in Africa and its successful chairing of the final negotiations on a Mine Ban Treaty emphasises the commitment of South Africans, at all levels, to a vision where the country could play an effective role in promoting peace and security. Africa is the region most affected by landmines and where the global ban and implementation of programmes to remove implanted mines and assist mine victims has impacted the most effectively.

Time will tell how South Africa 's leadership role on the issue of small arms and light weapons is able to contribute as this issue is only in its beginning phase of development, implementation and international acceptability. Nevertheless, the issue is crucial to the security and future development capacity of the majority of States in the world and as such will remain a priority for South Africa .

South Africa's emergence as one of the most important players on nuclear disarmament and its record as the only first country to have destroyed a nuclear weapons programme should permit the country to continue its active participation in all nuclear matters. Nationally since 1995 and in partnership with the New Agenda Coalition since 1998, South Africa has helped reshape and define the debate on nuclear disarmament and provide the intellectual input and action to “push the envelope” forward on an issue that affects global security and threatens the continued survival of humankind. Its political standing, ability and capacity to play a bridging role, like the case with Iraq and currently being played in the dynamics of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions, will also permit the country to continue playing the role of an influential, credible and honest broker in an area traditionally reserved for major powers.

South Africa 's technical capacity also permits it to compete equally with the major powers on important disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control issues in the biological and chemical field as well as on the export and control of advanced technologies and materials capable for military use. South Africa 's reputation as a responsible possessor, producer and trader of items that have a dual military and commercial use is solid and permits it to protect its trade interests while contributing to international peace and security.

Most of these achievements can be attributed to the dedication of a small group of individuals in the foreign affairs, trade, defence and police departments, industry, institutes and civil society in South Africa . They have initiated, drafted, and developed positions which have received the full support and blessing of the political leadership. Moreover, the minimal expenditure on these issues is totally disproportionate to the tremendous international prestige and influence it has obtained internationally as well as the peace and security dividends it has reaped regionally and nationally.

The world is heading into uncertain waters as terrorism looms and presents an old challenge but with new dimensions. So too disarmament represents an old challenge but with new dimensions where the terrorists are trying to acquire the weapons and lethal capabilities that the “mighty” cling to. South Africa has staked in own security in the firm belief that it was safer without nuclear weapons and thereby stepped back from the horror of the nuclear abyss. South Africa put its past behind itself and with a vision of a safer region and world worked with zeal to make its fullest contribution. South Africa can look back with pride on the last ten years concerning its record on disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. The challenge will be to ensure sustainability and the full implementation of the responsibilities and obligations that South Africa 's status and reputation brings.