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South Africa's Strategic Role in G20 and BRICS Summits Emphasizes Accountability and Cooperation

Published November 19, 2024
3 months ago

South Africa's engagement in the G20 and the expansion of BRICS are more than just diplomatic formality; they are a reaffirmation of the nation's dedication to its constitutional principles of economic cooperation, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and global equity. According to Jo-Ansie van Wyk, a Research Professor of International Politics at the University of South Africa (Unisa), these forums are vital for South Africa to ensure that its foreign policies are in alignment with domestic policies and are accountable to its citizens.





The upcoming G20 Summit, scheduled for November 18-19 in Rio de Janeiro, comes at a critical time. Not only is Brazil setting an agenda that resonates with the global call for inclusive growth, but the summit also highlights the African Union's (AU) inaugural participation as a full member. This inclusion marks a significant step for the AU—and by extension, the Global South—in voicing out unique challenges and perspectives on such a significant platform.


Professor Van Wyk pointed out the importance of the G20 and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) engagements as not merely episodic events but ongoing processes that shape international relations. The expansion of BRICS, now BRICS+, and the establishment of structures like the New Development Bank—which has already facilitated substantial loans for South African infrastructural projects including Eskom and Transnet—underline the tactical economic collaborations that South Africa is cementing on these international stages.


However, the financial burdens of hosting and participating in these summits have been subjects of national debate. While recognising the prestige and potential benefits derived from such gatherings, there is a pressing need to balance these international activities with pressing domestic needs, especially given the current economic strains highlighted by issues such as slow economic growth and the impacts of state capture.


As the leaders convene in Rio de Janeiro, the stakes are high for South Africa to leverage these platforms to advance not only the African agenda but also to align global economic policies with fairness and sustainable practices. These summits provide South Africa a dual opportunity: to ensure that the Global North adheres to equitable standards and to showcase South Africa’s leadership in driving a new phase of global cooperation that is sensitive to the emergent needs of the Global South.


As Professor Van Wyk mentioned, for South Africa, the success of its participation will not only be measured by the agreements it signs but by how these agreements translate into real benefits for its people. It is crucial, therefore, that the outcomes of these summits resonate with the everyday South African and contribute concretely to the nation's development.


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