PERSPECTIVE South Africa in the UN Security Council 2011-2012 OLIVIER SERRÃO June 2011 n After a controversial first tenure as a non-permanent member in 2007-2008, South Africa is currently serving a second term on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). That first tenure saw South Africa controversially oppose:(a) the condem­nation of human rights abuses in Myanmar and Zimbabwe;(b) the furthering of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme; and(c) the inclusion of climate change on the Council’s agenda. n Against a background of sharp criticism of its performance, South Africa’s current tenure on the Council will therefore likely be characterised by an attempt to restore its credibility in the West and domestically, while simultaneously sustaining its status as a leading state of the Global South. n South Africa will try to represent Africa’s collective voice on issues of mutual con­cern, coordinating with Nigeria and Gabon as an African»G3«. As chair of the Council’s Working Group on Conflict Prevention in Africa, it will work with Nigeria to further streamline the relationship between the Council and the AU and will push for greater UN funding for AU peacekeeping missions. n With regard to reform of the UNSC, South Africa is caught in a dilemma. It has a direct interest in becoming a permanent member, while simultaneously it has to abide by the common AU position. This position – the so-called»Ezulwini Con­sensus« – claims two additional non-permanent seats, as well as two permanent, veto-wielding seats for Africa and is therefore highly unlikely ever to be seriously considered.