Catching up with 2022 SJMS winner, Musa Mdunge

Name of higher education institution, course and brief description of PhD research:

I am pursuing a PhD in Politics and International Relations at the University of Dundee. It focuses on South Africa's post-1994 economic diplomacy in Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, key frontline states during the fight against Apartheid. I examine the growing economic integration and South-South Cooperation, exploring whether South Africa is a neo-colonial power or a development partner in Africa and the broader Global South.

What inspired your research topic, and how has it evolved since starting your programme?

My research explores the rise of the Global South post-2008 Global Financial Crisis, when the Global North, led by the US, invited key countries like BRICS and South Africa to the G8+5 to push for economic reform and a bigger role in the global economy. Focusing on South Africa, I examine its balance between the west, the rising east, and its regional power aspirations. My study evolved from traditional IPE theories to Role Theory, aiming to contribute to IPE with a focus on Africa, a region often overlooked in existing research.

Can you share any exciting findings or breakthroughs you have made in your research so far?

South Africa has benefited from regional trade, largely due to the long-standing mineral-industrial complex (MIC) shaping Southern Africa's economy. However, this often overlooks South Africa's role as a regional investor in extractive industries and knowledge transfer. The challenge has been convincing regional leaders to adopt pragmatic governance and rule of law, with a lack of internal reform limiting South Africa's ability to balance trade with Harare and Maputo.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the remainder of your PhD journey?

At this stage I am focused on the final submission of my thesis and looking forward to finalising plans to establish a podcast that gives focus to African current affairs, in which an African perspective from young people on foreign policy issues affecting Africa can find expression.

What impact will your research yield and how will this benefit your home country and the African continent?

My hope is to help support Africa's goal of economic integration but one where the giants of Africa — South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and Ethiopia — will not dominate smaller economies such as Eswatini or Djibouti simply because of their economic weight. Moreover, it's about asking the question how to decolonise colonial economic structures that do not serve our interests as Africans. My hope is this will help drive policy direction that leads to fair regional trade and fair distribution of the gains of further economic integration.

Do you have any words of wisdom for future PhD Scholars?

My advice to those taking the PhD jump, stay the course, no matter what! Honour your progress, but do not sleep on your potential. As Maya Angelou reminds us, "though I come as one, I stand as ten thousand!"

Read more about the SJMS scholarship in the 2024 MRF yearbook