APC2601
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: March 2025
ALL 3 ESSAYS TOPICS PROVIDED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ESSAY 1: THE ENDURING LEGACY OF COLONIALITY: THE BERLIN CONFERENCE,
THE SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA, AND THE POLITICAL-ECONOMIC TRAJECTORY OF
SOUTH AFRICA ........................................................................................................ 2
ESSAY 2: ECONOMIC BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND
ZIMBABWE: AN ANALYSIS OF BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES ........................ 10
ESSAY 3: THE COLONIALITY OF MARKETS AND THE NEW SCRAMBLE FOR
AFRICA: THE ROLE OF MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS IN AFRICAN
ECONOMIES ........................................................................................................... 15
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
ALL 3 ESSAYS TOPICS PROVIDED
ESSAY 1: THE ENDURING LEGACY OF COLONIALITY: THE BERLIN
CONFERENCE, THE SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA, AND THE POLITICAL-
ECONOMIC TRAJECTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA
1. INTRODUCTION
The colonization of Africa stands as one of the most defining episodes in modern
history, shaping the continent’s political, social, and economic realities for
generations. This essay examines how and why the 1884–85 Berlin Conference,
together with the subsequent scramble and conquest of Africa, resulted in the
dismemberment and fragmentation of the continent. It also explores the specific case
of South Africa to illustrate the consequential political-economic development
trajectory caused by coloniality. The Berlin Conference—where European powers
negotiated and formalised their territorial claims—did not merely represent a
diplomatic gathering but rather a mechanism that institutionalised a new order. This
order disregarded existing ethnic, cultural, and political boundaries, setting the stage
for future conflicts and enduring disparities (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2013).
In this essay, key concepts such as ―coloniality,‖ ―dismemberment,‖ and
―fragmentation‖ are critically analysed. Coloniality refers to the enduring structures of
power and knowledge that originated in the colonial period but persist in influencing
postcolonial societies (Mamdani, 2012). Dismemberment and fragmentation describe
the deliberate breaking apart of African societies into artificially defined territories
that served colonial administrative and economic interests. This fragmentation
disrupted indigenous political structures and undermined local economies, laying a
foundation for conflict and economic underdevelopment.
The following sections provide a comprehensive exploration of the colonial
processes that led to Africa’s dismemberment and, by focusing on South Africa,
demonstrate how these legacies continue to shape political and economic
trajectories. Through a detailed analysis of both the continental experience and the
South African case study, the essay argues that the historical imprint of coloniality
has produced lasting inequalities and hindered the realization of political stability and
economic prosperity across Africa (Herbst, 2014).
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
2. CONSEQUENTIAL POLITICAL-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRAJECTORY
CAUSED BY COLONIALITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
2.1. Historical Context of the Berlin Conference and the Scramble for Africa
2.1.1. The Berlin Conference and Its Objectives
The Berlin Conference of 1884–85 was convened to regulate European colonisation
and trade in Africa during the period of New Imperialism. European powers,
operating with little regard for the indigenous populations, sought to establish their
spheres of influence based solely on economic and strategic interests. The
conference formalised the ―Scramble for Africa,‖ which saw European nations
partition the continent without any input from African leaders. As noted by McGregor
(2016), this gathering was less about diplomacy and more about dividing resources
and territory amongst European competitors.
The principles established at the conference, including effective occupation as a
criterion for territorial claims, led to a rush among European powers to stake claims
over African lands. This resulted in arbitrary borders that often split ethnic groups
and traditional kingdoms, a factor that sowed the seeds for future conflicts. The
imposed borders ignored the existing social and political landscapes of Africa,
reducing complex societies into mere administrative units for the benefit of the
colonisers (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2013).
2.1.2. The Scramble for Africa: Conquest and Resistance
Following the Berlin Conference, the race to control Africa intensified, with European
nations deploying military force and economic coercion to secure territories. The
scramble for Africa was characterised by rapid military conquest, imposition of new
administrative systems, and exploitation of natural resources. Indigenous resistance
was often met with brutal repression, further contributing to the dismemberment of
traditional societies (Mamdani, 2012).
This process of conquest not only fragmented the continent but also resulted in the
systematic extraction of resources. The newly established colonial boundaries were
designed to facilitate the exploitation of Africa’s wealth, particularly in minerals, cash
crops, and other natural resources. This exploitation was achieved by establishing
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: March 2025
ALL 3 ESSAYS TOPICS PROVIDED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ESSAY 1: THE ENDURING LEGACY OF COLONIALITY: THE BERLIN CONFERENCE,
THE SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA, AND THE POLITICAL-ECONOMIC TRAJECTORY OF
SOUTH AFRICA ........................................................................................................ 2
ESSAY 2: ECONOMIC BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND
ZIMBABWE: AN ANALYSIS OF BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES ........................ 10
ESSAY 3: THE COLONIALITY OF MARKETS AND THE NEW SCRAMBLE FOR
AFRICA: THE ROLE OF MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS IN AFRICAN
ECONOMIES ........................................................................................................... 15
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
ALL 3 ESSAYS TOPICS PROVIDED
ESSAY 1: THE ENDURING LEGACY OF COLONIALITY: THE BERLIN
CONFERENCE, THE SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA, AND THE POLITICAL-
ECONOMIC TRAJECTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA
1. INTRODUCTION
The colonization of Africa stands as one of the most defining episodes in modern
history, shaping the continent’s political, social, and economic realities for
generations. This essay examines how and why the 1884–85 Berlin Conference,
together with the subsequent scramble and conquest of Africa, resulted in the
dismemberment and fragmentation of the continent. It also explores the specific case
of South Africa to illustrate the consequential political-economic development
trajectory caused by coloniality. The Berlin Conference—where European powers
negotiated and formalised their territorial claims—did not merely represent a
diplomatic gathering but rather a mechanism that institutionalised a new order. This
order disregarded existing ethnic, cultural, and political boundaries, setting the stage
for future conflicts and enduring disparities (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2013).
In this essay, key concepts such as ―coloniality,‖ ―dismemberment,‖ and
―fragmentation‖ are critically analysed. Coloniality refers to the enduring structures of
power and knowledge that originated in the colonial period but persist in influencing
postcolonial societies (Mamdani, 2012). Dismemberment and fragmentation describe
the deliberate breaking apart of African societies into artificially defined territories
that served colonial administrative and economic interests. This fragmentation
disrupted indigenous political structures and undermined local economies, laying a
foundation for conflict and economic underdevelopment.
The following sections provide a comprehensive exploration of the colonial
processes that led to Africa’s dismemberment and, by focusing on South Africa,
demonstrate how these legacies continue to shape political and economic
trajectories. Through a detailed analysis of both the continental experience and the
South African case study, the essay argues that the historical imprint of coloniality
has produced lasting inequalities and hindered the realization of political stability and
economic prosperity across Africa (Herbst, 2014).
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
2. CONSEQUENTIAL POLITICAL-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRAJECTORY
CAUSED BY COLONIALITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
2.1. Historical Context of the Berlin Conference and the Scramble for Africa
2.1.1. The Berlin Conference and Its Objectives
The Berlin Conference of 1884–85 was convened to regulate European colonisation
and trade in Africa during the period of New Imperialism. European powers,
operating with little regard for the indigenous populations, sought to establish their
spheres of influence based solely on economic and strategic interests. The
conference formalised the ―Scramble for Africa,‖ which saw European nations
partition the continent without any input from African leaders. As noted by McGregor
(2016), this gathering was less about diplomacy and more about dividing resources
and territory amongst European competitors.
The principles established at the conference, including effective occupation as a
criterion for territorial claims, led to a rush among European powers to stake claims
over African lands. This resulted in arbitrary borders that often split ethnic groups
and traditional kingdoms, a factor that sowed the seeds for future conflicts. The
imposed borders ignored the existing social and political landscapes of Africa,
reducing complex societies into mere administrative units for the benefit of the
colonisers (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2013).
2.1.2. The Scramble for Africa: Conquest and Resistance
Following the Berlin Conference, the race to control Africa intensified, with European
nations deploying military force and economic coercion to secure territories. The
scramble for Africa was characterised by rapid military conquest, imposition of new
administrative systems, and exploitation of natural resources. Indigenous resistance
was often met with brutal repression, further contributing to the dismemberment of
traditional societies (Mamdani, 2012).
This process of conquest not only fragmented the continent but also resulted in the
systematic extraction of resources. The newly established colonial boundaries were
designed to facilitate the exploitation of Africa’s wealth, particularly in minerals, cash
crops, and other natural resources. This exploitation was achieved by establishing
