By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has downplayed which head of state of Brics nations will be invited to South Africa on a state visit ahead of the grouping’s summit in South Africa.
Ramaphosa was asked by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen during his first question and answer for the year in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon, whether it would be the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
But Ramaphosa said that those discussions were still happening at a diplomatic level.
The President was responding to a question on what strategic focus areas will South Africa advance during its tenure as chair of BRICS.
South Africa is chairing the BRICS group of countries in 2023 under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.
South Africa will host the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China at the 15th BRICS Summit from 22 to 24 August 2023.
The BRICS group brings together some 3.2 billion people. After the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, BRICS is among the largest bloc of countries by total population.
“As part of our strategic intent to further advance the African development agenda within the BRICS group, we are inviting several other African leaders to the summit.
“One of the priorities during our chairship is to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.
“We are focusing in particular on opportunities that will generate economic growth on the continent, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and infrastructure,” the President said.
The President told Members of Parliament that there are great opportunities for BRICS countries to participate in infrastructure development and the AfCFTA by locating production and services activities in the continent and partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs.
Responding to how South Africa will ensure the advancement of the South-South Agenda, Ramaphosa said that the country’s priorities are responsive to the needs and concerns of the broader global south.
“Another strategic priority is strengthening multilateralism, including working toward real reform of global governance institutions and strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peace processes.
“Our priorities respond to challenges and opportunities that are shared by South Africa and other BRICS members. They are also responsive to the needs and concerns of the broader global South,” he said.