The President, Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, has addressed the nation on South Africa’s foreign policy in the light of the country being the host of the 15th BRICS Summit which kick start August 22- 24, 2023.
Ramaphosa said there is need for the South Africans to understand and appreciate the significance of BRICS Summit for the country and the African continent, to understand the principles and the values that shape South Africa’s foreign policy and inform its international relations
According to him, “Before the dawn of democracy in 1994, the apartheid South African state was a pariah in international community, condemned for committing crime against humanity. The foreign policy of apartheid South Africa was defined by coercion, destabilisation and military aggression.
“Since the advent of democracy, South Africa’s foreign policy has been based on what our forebears inscribed in the Freedom Charter in 1955, when they declared that:
“South Africa shall be a fully independent state which respects the rights and the sovereignty of all nations; South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation – not war”.
“This foreign policy approach is also a product of the efforts of leaders such as the late Oliver Tambo who mounted a vigorous worldwide campaign to secure global support for our just struggle against apartheid. This put South Africa on the global map in relation to the interests of its people whilst the world condemned its apartheid rulers.
“Indeed, our foreign policy is a matter that is vital to our progress as a nation. Through stronger relations with other countries, manifested through investment and trade relations, we can grow our economy, create more opportunities for new businesses and create jobs”, the President said.
He noted that South Africa’s foreign policy aims to promote National Interest based on the protection and promotion of national sovereignty and constitutional order. “It is also aimed at improving the well-being, safety and prosperity of our citizens, and the achievement of a better Africa and world.
“The key pillars of our foreign policy include the promotion of human rights, peace and stability and the strengthening of trade, investment ties with other countries.
“The foreign policy stance we have taken since the advent of democracy has positioned South Africa as a reliable and influential partner on our continent and in the world enabled our country to have friendly, valuable relations with countries around the world at political, diplomatic, trade, investment, sporting, social and many other levels”.
Speaking on BRICS, Ramaphosa said the members which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have made up a quarter of the global economy, accounting for a fifth of global trade and are home to more than 40 per cent of the world’s population.
He said further that BRICS as a formation plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation. “Yet the value of BRICS extends beyond its sheer size.
The President added that BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics, and acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations.
“Together, the BRICS members have used their collective voice to call for a world that is more equitable, balanced and governed by an inclusive system of global governance. Being a BRICS member has created positive opportunities for South Africa.
“It has enabled our country to have a strategic relationship with China. Based on the strategic relationship between South Africa and People’s Republic of China we will be signing several agreements during President Xi’s State visit.
“We have steadily strengthened trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries alongside collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, security and innovation.
“South Africa has benefited from the New Development Bank, which was established by the BRICS countries in 2015. Our country has been funded by the bank in several infrastructure projects to the value of R100 billion in sectors such as roads, water, transport and energy.
“South Africa has always championed the interests of Africa within BRICS. To further advance the African development agenda, more than 30 Heads of State, Government from across Africa will be attending the summit.
“We want to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa so that our continent can unlock opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development”, he said.
South African President pleased that the UN Secretary General Mr Antonio Guterres will attend the BRICS Summit at their invitation. “South Africa, as a member of community of nations, will continue to play a constructive role in world affairs.
*In 2025, South Africa will assume the presidency of the G20 group of nations. This will be the first time that G20 meetings will be hosted in Africa. The G20 Summit in 2025 will be an opportunity for South Africa to take a lead on critical challenges facing the global community.
“South Africa’s approach to foreign relations is to seek increased collaboration, to secure greater trade opportunities and increased investment, and to work closely with partners across the globe to entrench peace and democracy.
“As we continue to define our place in the world, as we advance the needs of our people, we will continue to mobilise all our moral, political and economic strength on the side of peace and development for all of humanity”, the President said.