The government is trying to turn the South African Defense Force (SADF), the enforcer of apartheid, into a body loyal to a multiracial government. The process has included cuts in defense spending, an end to the SADF's policy-making role and changes in top personnel. The possibility of a security alliance with South Africa's former opponents in the region has been proposed. A major test will be the integration of the armed wings of the ANC and PAC. Rogue SADF elements involved in political violence and former officers in the racist far-right may threaten the outcome of reform.
Sanctions encouraged a major arms industry. South Africa is now the world's twelfth leading arms exporter.
