Cape Town — President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a speech at the sixteenth edition of the BRICS Summit where he hoped its historic expansion would be a beacon of hope for the Global South.
In a statement, Ramaphosa thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for hosting the Summit and explained the importance of the countries coming together to demonstrate the benefits of cooperation instead of competition. He explained it was important to ensure the success of the expanded group.
Ramaphosa cited Nelson Mandela’s visit to the Russia Federation and, during his visit, paid homage to the people of Russia.
He said they “were in the vanguard of that great legion of humanity who shared our struggle against apartheid and therefore also our victory”.
“This was the solidarity of true internationalism, transcending a vast geographical distance as well as the cultural and social differences between our peoples,” he explained.
Ramaphosa also explained the importance of the ensuring the world shows support tot he people of Palestine and that global countries have the responsibility to fund or not fund Israel’s genocide.
“As the UN General Assembly has now resolved, the countries of the world have a responsibility to promote the realisation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Lasting peace and security will not be achieved until Palestinians have realised their aspirations for statehood, justice and freedom,” Ramaphosa said.
🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa delivering Country Statement at the XVI BRICS Summit taking place in Kazan, Russia. #BRICS2024 #BetterAfricaBetterWorld 🌍 pic.twitter.com/Mmx7zOMP47
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) October 23, 2024
Ramaphosa added that BRICS has an important role to shape the world order and should use its voice to advance change.
“Let us build on that foundation to develop an improved consensus that addresses the concerns and aspirations of all BRICS members,” he said.
BRICS has emerged as an important voice for the Global South and its expansion is evidence of the growing value of cooperation.
“By working together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for all our peoples – and for the global community of nations,” he concluded.
According to SABC News, Ramaphosa also held a bilateral meeting with Putin to explain the importance of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and reiterated South Africa’s relationship with Russia remains an important one.
“We are rather pleased that, with your support, we’ve been able to reach this point in the history of our country and we continue to see Russia as a valued friend who supported us right from the beginning. From the days of our struggle against Apartheid, right through to now,” he explained.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen