By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Paul Mashatile says the idea that BRICS-aligned nations were anti-America was false and should be dismissed.
Mashatile was delivering the opening address at the BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue, which is taking place under the theme of “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive growth”.
Mashatile said that it was unfair to categorise BRICS-aligned countries as being anti-West.
He added that the geopolitical battle that forces countries to choose between the US and China was unfair and impeded the principles of standing by all countries. The ANC has fostered partnerships with both the US and China.
“We choose the side of the people of China, people of the United States and the people of the world. The idea that there exists two binary opposites is in contrast with the decisions that BRICS took in 2011. When it decided on openness and pragmatism and solidarity and non-bloc nature and neutrality with third parties,” Mashatile said.
On the ongoing war in Ukraine, Mashatile said that the ANC-led government would continue to opt for peace.
Mashatile told delegates that the ANC was “fully behind” the African Peace Mission and firmly reiterated its anti-war stance which they have asserted since the war began.
“We are here for the silencing of the guns in Ukraine, the achievement of genuine peace and the peaceful co-existence between Russia and Ukraine.
We are fully behind the African Peace Initiative,” Mashatile said.
The BRICS and Africa dialogue has seen more than 50 political parties from the BRICS nations and including various other countries interested in joining BRICS.
An Eminent Persons Panel saw former South African presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe in conversation with Olesegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Jaoquim Chissano of Mozambique.
BRICS member states have delivered their messages of support.
This included the Communist Party of China, Communist Party of Russia and United Russia Party, Indian National Congress Party and Bharatiya Janata Party and the Workers Party of Brazil and Liberal Party.
Mashatile said BRICS held excellent potential on the global stage.
He added that there should be continued lobbying for the changes to the United Nations (UN) security council to allow for African leaders’ participation.
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Video Courtesy of MYANC.