Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele,
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,
Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane,
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola,
Leadership of the SAPS,
Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to greet all the women of our country’s security and law enforcement agencies making up this Integrated Women in Law Enforcement Parade. 

Today marks the end of Women’s Month. 

It is a month during which we celebrate how far we have come in building a non-sexist society, a society where women are free and equal and enjoy the rights guaranteed by our Constitution. 

Today we are witnesses to the transformation of safety and security in South Africa. 

We have come a long way since the first women were accepted into the then South African Police over 50 years ago to perform administrative and so-called ‘soft’ duties.

Today, women are taking their rightful place in our police and security services. 

Today, we have the first ever female Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.

Lieutenant General Mosikili is one of two women co-chairs of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, known as NatJoints.

They are among the women who are leading the way in the transformation of our safety and security institutions.

We have certainly come a long way, but we know that we still have much further to go.

Earlier this morning, we were part of the unveiling of the DNA expansion project
at the Forensic Science Laboratory at the Eben Donges Building here in Gqeberha. 

I commend the SAPS for their hard work and commitment to addressing backlogs in the analysis of DNA retrieved from crime scenes. 

With this new and enhanced capacity in the Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory, we can expect faster turnaround times, especially with respect to the investigation of gender-based violence and femicide. 

The improved forensic capabilities should expedite investigations, and help our police build strong cases with solid evidence to enable the successful conviction of perpetrators. 

People who commit crimes against women and children have no place in our society. We depend on this and other forensic science laboratories across the country to make sure that these criminals are put prison and remain there. 

It is impressive that the construction of this upgraded facility, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, was completed at six months ahead of the projected completion time and below budget. 

It is worth mentioning that this project is driven by a woman, the Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services, Lieutenant General Khosi Senthumule.

As we wrap up this Women’s Month, we appreciate all women in the integrated security and law enforcement agencies, across all the ranks. 

It is these women who continue to make significant strides in what was previously considered to be male-dominated environments. 

Women are increasingly present in national intervention units, special task forces, bomb disposal units, tactical response teams, search and rescue teams, flying squads and highway patrol units.

More and more women are becoming pilots and airborne law enforcement officers; forensic, ballistic and DNA analysts; and crime scene reconstruction experts.

They are correction officials, mechanical engineers, motor vehicle reconstruction experts and artisans.

Indeed, there should no longer be any area of police and security work that is closed to women and no area where they are not able to excel.

Let me commend the Ministry of Police and the management of the SAPS, and all the heads of other law enforcement agencies, for ensuring that the goal of gender equality in the workplace is closer to becoming a reality. 

Five out of nine Provincial Commissioners are women. This is the result of hard work that led to well-deserved promotions. 

Let me also recognise and commend efforts by other departments like the SANDF, Correctional Services, metros and traffic police who are also working to make sure that women have equal opportunities for career advancement. 

We appreciate the struggles of women over the generations that laid the foundation for these accomplishments. We welcome this kind of integration of multiple forces and capabilities led by women in the security and law enforcement space. 

It is imperative for all of us gathered here today, men and women, that we support these women who are willing to put in the work and make the sacrifices to ensure that everyone in South Africa is safe. 

While we have much further to go towards making gender equality a reality in all workplaces in South Africa, our integrated law enforcement agencies are leading the way. For this we salute you. 

Halala makhosikazi halala! Halala zimbhokodo halala! 

I thank you.

Programme Director,
Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga,
Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi,
Junior Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Mr Arabile Maphiri,
Representatives of civil society and business,
Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is truly an honour to be among you, our next generation of leaders, professionals, businessmen, entrepreneurs, tech gurus, you name it. 

Some of you also hope someday to be husbands, fathers and sons-in-law. 

You all carry hopes to make something of your lives and to follow your chosen career paths. 

If you decide to have families someday, you may take on the role of a co-provider, a carer and nurturer of your children and support to your partner. 

Some people ask why is there a focus on women: Women’s Day, women’s march, women empowerment, girls’ programmes, girls’ spaces?

The answer is a straightforward one. 

There is a crisis in our society. A terrible crisis that will destroy us if we do not overcome it. 

That crisis is violence against women and girls; violence that men perpetrate.

Because it is men who are responsible for this scourge, men need to be part of bringing it to an end.

We are encouraged that we have with us today young men from different parts of our country who have stood up and said yes, we want to be part of bringing about change. Yes, we want to be better men. 

Yes, we want to show by our words and deeds that we respect women and girls and treat them as equals. 

I want to thank you all for taking this important step towards making our country a better place for all its people. 

This young men’s dialogue is very important. 

To end gender-based violence, we must focus on prevention. 

We must stop this violence before it even happens. 

There must be an open and honest conversation about what contributes to violence against women and girls.

We need to talk about patriarchal attitudes and practices. We need to challenge toxic masculinity, which is the idea that being a man means one must dominate and demean women. 

We must talk about the influence of culture and media depictions of men and women.

“What about the Boys?” brings together government, the private sector, academia, civil society, the media and other stakeholders in a collaboration towards raising a nation of good men. 

We have just seen the video and listened to the voices of participants, and it is clear that this programme continues to be well-received and has had a positive impact.

We are correct to ask the question, “What about the Boys?”, because young men and boys must not be left behind. 

They must be part of our journey towards a South Africa free of gender-based violence. 

They must be encouraged and supported to be change-makers in society. 

Participants, Zinsizwa, 

Akulula ukuba yinsizwa kulenzinsuku. 

You face a lot of pressure in the family, in relationships, with your friends, at school and places of higher learning, in your peer groups, and in society as a whole. 

In South Africa today, young black men are most vulnerable to violence. 

Young men and boys are vulnerable to recruitment by gangs and pressure to take part in criminal activities. 

The young men of this country are being made into men before their time. 

You may face pressure from your friends to become sexually active even when you are not ready to, because this is seen as being a real man. 

Worse yet, engaging in unsafe sex practices is also seen as more manly. 

This is leading to teenage pregnancies, the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted infections and other problems. We must talk about this. 

For some of you there may be pressure, especially once you have gone through ritual initiation, to so-called “prove” your manhood in various ways. 

Far too often this is having a destructive effect on women and girls. We must talk about these things and not whisper them in dark corners. 

Kumele sikhulume about sexuality in general; about stigma, bullying and even violence against gay or gender non-conforming young men. This is a problem in many of our communities.

Many young men may not have positive role models.

Absentee fathers are one of the greatest tragedies of our nation. Only a third of South Africa’s children live with both parents. Most children either live with their mother only or with neither parents.

We must talk about what it means for young men and boys not to have a father at home to support, encourage and guide them.

We must talk about the pressure on young men and boys to drop out of school to 
earn a living because they have family members relying on them financially, or because they want to be independent.

As young men, you are vulnerable too. You also experience depression, loneliness, and frustration. These can sometimes manifest in aggressive behaviour, especially towards women and girls, problematic relationships, and violence. We must talk.

As young men, you may be tired of being told you are a problem. 

You want your dignity respected and upheld. You want your good qualities to be recognised. 

We are here to tell you that we see you as not the problem, but as the solution. 

It is in your hands to bring about a new generation of South African men. 

This new generation of men are respectful, masculine in a positive way and sensitive. They would never think of a woman as less than a man. They would never think about raising their hand against a woman. 

We have convened this dialogue because we recognise that we must engage men and boys separately from women and girls. 

We want to create more safe and open spaces where you can talk about your feelings, share with each other and collaborate on strategies that help you advance through different stages of your lives. 

The focus of the programme is to reimagine and reinvent masculinities in sensitive, kind, respectful, accountable, expressive and nurturing ways. 

It is about working with young men and boys through theatres of learning to influence how they view themselves and the kinds of men that they grow into. 
As government, civil society, business and social partners we are committed to supporting you in your journey to becoming better men. 

I would like to thank the Department of Basic Education, Primestars, SterKinekor and all the partners of the programme. Thank you for taking the initiative to design such a positive and uplifting programme, and for your commitment to being part of change.

Thank you to all the participants who have been involved in this engagement.

Your views, thoughts and ideas have enriched our understanding of the challenges young men face and how you are taking responsibility for yourselves and your society.

From what I have heard today, I am more confident than ever that the boys and men of this country are an essential part of our struggle to end all forms of violence against women in our society. 

I thank you.

I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the Prince of KwaPhindangene, Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, and the Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been an outstanding leader in the political and cultural life of our nation, including the ebss and flows of our liberation struggle, the transition which secured our freedom in 1994 and our democratic dispensation.

Prince Buthelezi, who served as the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Home Affairs, passed away in the early hours of today, Saturday, 9 September 2023, just two weeks after the celebration of his 95th birthday.

My thoughts and prayers and those of government and our nation go out to the Royal Household who have been blessed to share uMntwana waKwaPhindangene’s extended lifetime with him, as well as to the Zulu Nation and the leadership and membership of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

Announcements will be made in due course, based on consultations between government and the family, on the arrangements to mourn and honour the Inkosi of the Buthelezi clan as a formidable leader who has played a significant role in our country’s history for seven decades.

We shall, in due course, reflect more extensively on his extraordinary life and diverse contributions to the development of our nation.

At this point in time, we embrace the Buthelezi clan in their mourning and pray that the soul of the Prince rests in peace.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed membership of the African Union (AU) in the G20, the premier forum for global economic, trade and financial dialogue for growth and sustainable development.

President Ramaphosa addressed the G20 Leader’s Summit held under the theme One Earth, One Family and One Future in New Delhi in the Republic of India.

President Ramaphosa advocated for the AU’s membership of the G20 during the 2022 summit in Bali, Indonesia. The President appreciated India's Presidency in hosting an inclusive summit and placing the interest of the global south firmly on the agenda. President Ramaphosa also acknowledged G20 member states who supported the AU's inclusion.

The participation of the AU will strengthen global economic governance and allow African countries to own and influence decisions on key issues.

On the margins of the New Delhi G20 Summit, South Africa participated in the EU-African Leader’s meeting attended by the Presidents of the European Council and Commission; African Heads of State invited to attend the G20 summit; the African Union Commission (AUC); Heads of the IMF and the World Bank. The purpose of the meeting was to amongst others discuss AU’s G20 membership, food security, grain and fertiliser supply and the reform of the global financial architecture.

South Africa used the summit to advocate for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development to meet climate change commitments.

“South Africa welcomes the Indian Presidency’s efforts to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.  The achievement of the SDGs must remain at the centre of international financing discussions to ensure that finance is mobilised in sufficient quantities and of suitable quality to support development in low- and middle-income countries,” said the President.

President Ramaphosa looks forward to working closely with President Lula as Brazil prepares to take over the Presidency of the G20 in 2024 and to build on the foundation laid by India.  South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, Co-Chair of the China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue,
Heads of State and Government and Chairs of the Regional Economic Communities in Africa,
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat,
Ministers and Advisors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to this China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue. 

This dialogue has been convened to consider the role of China-Africa relations in supporting the goal of regional integration in Africa as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Promoting the movement of goods, services, people and capital across Africa is vital for the future growth and prosperity of our continent. 

African economic integration promises to open up more opportunities for African producers and consumers, lower the cost of trade and attract large-scale investment.

South Africa and China have just successfully concluded the fourth State Visit by President Xi Jinping to South Africa.

The State Visit afforded us an opportunity to share views and to affirm the importance of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

We discussed the deepening of South-South cooperation and issues of mutual interest in international affairs within the multilateral formations of BRICS, the G20, the G77 plus China, and others.

We have also just concluded the 15th BRICS Summit.

A priority of South Africa’s chairship of BRICS is to address African developmental challenges, building on an existing partnership to deliver tangible benefits for Africa.

All BRICS partners support the AU’s Agenda 2063 and are significant investors in Africa. 

The New Development Bank, with its African Regional Centre in Johannesburg, also continues to mobilise resources for infrastructure development in the global South.

The significant infrastructure investment needed to operationalise the African Continental Free Trade Area will unlock the benefits of the continental market and generate mutually beneficial opportunities for both African and BRICS countries. 

These opportunities relate not only to trade and investment but also in driving sustainable development and increased standards of living for our people. 

In this regard, we thank the Chinese government for expressing its full support to the South African BRICS chairship in fulfilling this African Agenda. 

We need to place China-Africa relations in the context of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation – FOCAC – which advances a strategic and cooperative partnership between Africa and China. 

There is a need to further strengthen consultation and coordination on FOCAC to enhance implementation and practical cooperation in various fields under the Dakar Action Plan.

Future engagement should be aligned with the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063. There should be joint monitoring and evaluation and joint sourcing of the necessary funding for implementation.

Infrastructural development of a transformative nature in Africa has been the cornerstone of FOCAC engagement. 

In this regard, South Africa calls for a review of all FOCAC projects to ascertain the level of implementation and address any challenges. 

We would welcome technical, financial and capacity-building support for the identified North-South Corridor projects of the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative within the wider Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa. 

China’s Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in the creation of new road, rail, port and energy investments in Africa. 

Investing in infrastructure is essential to diversify economies, promote private sector activity and boost job creation. 

Infrastructure investment also fosters innovation and productivity, lowers transaction costs and will improve Africa’s integration and connectivity.

As we move into the second decade of Agenda 2063, we must focus on African countries reaching middle-income status and empowering African citizens through improved productivity. 

We need to build a more integrated and connected Africa, amicably resolve African conflicts and sustain Africa as an influential global player. 

Central to African growth is the African Continental Free Trade Area.

In supporting the effective implementation of the AfCFTA, cooperation between China and Africa should promote investment, facilitate the development of value chains and boost mutual capacity to produce and export value-added manufactured products. 

Support for industrialisation should include enhanced support for micro, small and medium enterprises and the informal economy. 

A sustainable and inclusive industrialisation pathway for Africa would have to address issues such as unemployment, women’s empowerment, climate change, energy security and youth development. 

As part of deepening China-Africa relations we should enhance cooperation in international affairs and within multilateral institutions.

We should seek an equitable world order underpinned by international law and based on the principles of the UN Charter. This includes upholding the rights and interests of countries of the Global South and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China and Africa should cooperate in calling for the creation of institutional mechanisms that will have the stature, form and global trust to effectively manage matters of global peace and security.

Our deliberations this evening will afford us the opportunity to address a number of key developmental challenges that are specific to Africa. 

Dealing with regional challenges will further enhance our goals of regional integration in support of continental integration. This can only be achieved with our full commitment and through the assistance of important development partners like China. 

In this regard, I once again warmly welcome you all to this important Roundtable Dialogue and look forward to our engagements.

I thank you.

Excellencies,
Members of the Media,
Good Afternoon,

We successfully concluded the 15th BRICS Summit yesterday.     

It is the first BRICS Summit to be hosted in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global travel restrictions.

Leading up to the Summit, there was a wide-ranging BRICS business programme aimed at attracting investment, promoting collaboration and showcasing opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries. 

We welcome the clear vision of Ms Dilma Rousseff as the President of the New Development Bank on the role that the Bank should play in support of infrastructure and sustainable development in Africa and the Global South. 

We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the BRICS Business Council and welcomed the self-review by the Council and the subsequent recommendations made to Leaders. 

We also welcomed the work of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance in their first in-person engagement with leaders. We particularly welcomed the participation of youth representatives in the Summit.

We addressed our expectations for the BRICS economic partnership to generate tangible benefits for our communities and deliver viable solutions for common challenges faced by the global South.

We shared our vision of BRICS as a champion of the needs and concerns of the people of the Global South. These include the need for beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and reform of multilateral systems. 

We reiterate our commitment to inclusive multilateralism and upholding international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

We are concerned about ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world. We stress our commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and inclusive consultation.

The Summit noted that an unbalanced recovery from the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating inequality across the world.

We encourage multilateral financial institutions and international organisations to play a constructive role in building global consensus on economic policies. 

We have noted that there is global momentum for the use of local currencies, alternative financial arrangements and alternative payment systems.

As BRICS, we are ready to explore opportunities for improving the stability, reliability and fairness of the global financial architecture. 

The Summit agreed to task the BRICS Finance Ministers and/or Central Bank Governors, as appropriate, to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back to the BRICS leaders by the next Summit.

This Summit reaffirmed the importance of BRICS people-to-people exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation. 

The Summit appreciates the progress made over the last year in the fields of media, culture, education, sports, arts, youth, civil society and academic exchanges.

We adopted the Johannesburg II Declaration which reflects key BRICS messages on matters of global economic, financial and political importance. 

It demonstrates the shared values and common interests that underlie our mutually beneficial cooperation as the five BRICS countries.

BRICS itself is a diverse group of nations.

It is an equal partnership of countries that have differing views but have a shared vision for a better world.

As the five BRICS countries, we have reached an agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process, which has been under discussion for quite a while. 

We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process, and further phases will follow.

We have decided to invite the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to become full members of BRICS. The membership will take effect from 1 January 2024.

We value the interest of other countries in building a partnership with BRICS.

We have tasked our Foreign Ministers to further develop the BRICS partner country model and a list of prospective partner countries and report by the next Summit.

Today, we will be hosting leaders from Africa and the Global South in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue. 

This is so that we can have an inclusive dialogue on key issues affecting developing economies and identify actions that we can take together towards a more equitable, inclusive and representative world.

May I conclude by thanking the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China, together with their delegations, for participating in this most successful 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Through this Summit, BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous. 

I thank you.
 

Your Excellency President Xi Jinping,
Heads of State and Government and Chairs of the Regional Economic Communities in Africa,
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, 
Ministers and Advisors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our deliberations this evening have been robust, giving us all a sense of the challenges facing Africa and the opportunities for progress. 

The discussions highlight the importance of effective regional coordination to enhance and support continental integration.

With the support of China and others, regional development and integration will support the diversification of our economies. It will enable African countries to shift away from the export of raw materials to the export of high-quality manufactured goods and services.

We conclude these deliberations with a clear understanding that the African Continental Free Trade Area is the engine for African economic and regional integration. 

We have discussed that investment in infrastructure in Africa will need to be significantly scaled up. 

Sustained engagement with China as one of the principal supporters of strategic infrastructure development projects is critical. 

We have identified obstacles in the way of regional integration such as inadequate financial resources, poor infrastructure networks, increasing violence, terrorism, political instability and others.

At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have worsened public finances and increased the debt burden of many African countries. This has reduced infrastructure investment in Africa. 

Regional Economic Communities often have limited ability to implement regional agreements. Support by development partners for capacity-building, technological transfer, innovation and knowledge-sharing is therefore crucial. 

We have acknowledged the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as a means of deepening collaboration in the cause of development. 

The adoption of our Joint Statement a few minutes ago will further solidify our resolve and commitment to enhancing China-Africa relations. 

It is now incumbent upon us all to translate these intentions into concrete regional actions that are time-bound and results-orientated. 

We should use all necessary regional and continental tools, through our Regional Economic Communities and the African Union, to realise our commitment to an integrated, dynamic and prosperous Africa. 

I thank you.

Your Excellency, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Your Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros and Chair of the African Union,
Your Excellencies, Leaders of BRICS nations,
Leaders of Africa and the Global South,
Leaders of Global and Regional Institutions,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,

It is a great honour to welcome you to South Africa for the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue.

When reflecting on the purpose and role of BRICS in the world today, we recall the Bandung Conference of 1955, where Asian and African nations demanded a greater voice for developing countries in world affairs.

The Conference called for the recognition of the equality of all nations, large and small.

We still share that common vision of a fair and just world. 

We still seek to overcome polarity and division. We want a world without barriers between North and South, East and West.

We still seek a world in which we work together underpinned by mutual respect.

Through the 15th BRICS Summit and this Dialogue we should strive to advance the Bandung spirit of unity, friendship and cooperation.

In South Africa we have a world for this: Ubuntu. 

Ubuntu is a practice based on the understanding that our success, prosperity and well-being depend on the success, prosperity and well-being of others.

We see the BRICS partnership as a catalyst for global growth and development that responds to the needs of all nations.

It is the right of Africa and the entire Global South to fully reap the benefits of global trade and investment. Without trade and investment our economies cannot thrive and our peoples’ material conditions cannot improve.

As the African continent, we are determined that the continent’s substantial resources are harnessed for the benefit and development of Africa’s people.

The African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully operational, will unlock the benefits of the continental market and generate substantial opportunities for Africa and other countries.

To make use of these opportunities, Africa is looking to the BRICS partnership to unlock infrastructure and development financing. 

This was part of the founding vision of the New Development Bank.

The Bank is playing a leading role in efforts to increase the resilience of the Global South, and to bring fairness to global trading and financial systems by strengthening the use of BRICS currencies. 

We have to reform global economic, financial and political governance, including the multilateral trading system, so that we create a conducive environment for fair trade.

While many countries of the Global South are seeing significant progress in industrialisation, technological development, innovation and the digital economy, they are not fully reaping the economic benefits.

By working together, by sharing skills and capabilities, by mobilising resources, we will be able to give renewed impetus to global growth and sustainable development.

We need to move beyond expressions of solidarity towards inclusion and mutually beneficial economic cooperation. 

We trust that this dialogue will provide leadership, vision and hope as we strive together for a better Africa and a better world. 

I thank you.

Your Excellency President Lula Da Silva,
Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin
Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Your Excellency President Xi Jinping,
Your Excellency Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank,
Chair of the BRICS Business Council, Ms Busi Mabuza,
Chair of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, Ms Lebogang Zulu,
Honourable Ministers,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to South Africa and to the 15th BRICS Summit.

The BRICS partnership straddles four continents and five countries that are home to almost three and a half billion people. 

Over the past decades the bloc has been a major driver of global growth, trade and investment.

BRICS stands for solidarity and for progress. 

BRICS stands for inclusivity and a more just, equitable world order. 

BRICS stands for sustainable development.

We are an inclusive formation of developing and emerging economies that are working together to benefit from our rich histories, cultures and systems to advance common prosperity.

We do so because we know that poverty, inequality and underdevelopment are the biggest challenges facing humankind.

We are therefore determined that the BRICS partnership must be harnessed to drive an inclusive global economic recovery.

Advancing the African agenda is a strategic priority for South Africa during its Chairship of BRICS.

It is for this reason that we have chosen as the theme of this year’s Summit: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism." 

We welcome the ongoing engagement of BRICS countries with Africa in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect.

Our objectives are reciprocal trade and investment. We want the goods, products and services from Africa to compete on an equal footing in the global economy.

The African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully operational, will unlock the benefits of the continental market and generate mutually beneficial opportunities for both African and BRICS countries.

As nations of the world confront the effects of climate change, we must ensure that the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient future is just, fair and takes into account differing national circumstances.

In line with this objective, BRICS nations need to advance the interests of the Global South and call for industrialised countries to honour their commitments to support climate actions by developing economy countries.

Peace and stability are preconditions for a better, more equitable world.

We are deeply concerned about conflicts across the world that continue to cause great suffering and hardship.

As South Africa, our position remains that diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflicts.

We are concerned that global financial and payments systems are increasingly being used as instruments of geopolitical contestation.

Global economic recovery relies on predictable global payment systems and the smooth operation of banking, supply chains, trade, tourism and financial flows.

We will continue discussions on practical measures to facilitate trade and investment flows through the increased use of local currencies.

The world is changing. 

New economic, political, social and technological realities call for greater cooperation between nations.

These realities call for a fundamental reform of the institutions of global governance so that they may be more representative and better able to respond to the challenges that confront humanity.

While firmly committed to advance the interests of the Global South, BRICS stands ready to collaborate with all countries that aspire to create a more inclusive international order.

We are confident that this 15th BRICS Summit will advance the cause of common prosperity and progress.

We are confident that this 15th BRICS Summit will enrich and inspire our work towards the achievement of a more humane global community.

I thank you.

Your Excellencies, Leaders of the BRICS nations,
Your Excellencies, Leaders from across Africa,
Your Excellencies, Leaders of the Global South,
Representatives of global and regional institutions,
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
 
Good Evening.

Thank you for accepting my invitation to join us tonight as we celebrate being together on a night which I trust you will find joyful and pleasant.

It is also a night when we thank you for joining the BRICS countries prior to tomorrow’s BRICS Outreach programme.

The BRICS group of countries incorporates the peoples, cultures and traditions of more than 3 billion people. 

We are united by our common vision and common goals.

Our diversity is our greatest strength, and tonight you will get to experience the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and foods of South Africa.

Our head chef tonight is Wandile Mabaso, a world class chef who pairs classical French techniques with the wonderful flavours of South Africa.

He is joined by Xolani Mancotywa, a qualified beverage steward and chef who has reimagined traditional African cuisine and authentic African fine dining.

Your culinary journey of South Africa follows a cultural journey across our nation's diverse cultures.

We hope that this evening you will experience South Africa's story, one that interweaves our many different cultures, traditions and languages as the foundation of an inclusive nation.

It is a story that reflects the nature and purpose of BRICS, which values partnership and cooperation in a spirit of openness and solidarity.

As BRICS - and all of Your Excellencies who have joined us tonight from many countries - we will all tomorrow articulate how we will foster change in the world for the benefit of all the peoples of the world.

Tonight is a night when we have even more reason to celebrate as BRICS partners.

A few hours ago this afternoon, India made history as the first country to successfully land a lunar module on the south pole of the Moon.

We congratulate Prime Minister Modi, the government and people of India and the Indian Space Research Organisation on the success of the Chandraayan-3 mission.

Pushing forward the frontiers of scientific endeavour is integral to human progress.

In anticipation of this great achievement Prime Minister Modi proposed at our BRICS Summit this afternoon that BRICS should set up a Space Exploration Commission where, as BRICS countries, we can share knowledge and experiences.

The more we learn about this world we live in and beyond, the greater our capacity to improve it and to elevate the human condition.

In the words of the great poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore: “We are in a palace which has no end, but which we have reached. By exploring it and extending our relationship with it, we are ever making it more and more our own.”

This and many other achievements enable us to move forward to prosperity, to progress and to peace.

Once again welcome and please do enjoy this celebration of unity, diversity and shared progress.

I thank you.