The Spirit of BRICS: Unity, Opportunity, and Shared Prosperity - Cape Town Today

We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies.

Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Powered by Cookieyes logo

The Spirit of BRICS: Unity, Opportunity, and Shared Prosperity

by
1 min read
b r

The BRICS nations, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have come together to forge new frontiers in global economic growth and development. The Deputy President of South Africa, Honorable Shipokosa Paul Mashatile, championed the spirit of unity and collaboration among these nations at the recent BRICS Business Welcome Gala Dinner in Sandton, South Africa.

Impact on Global Economy

Representing 23% of the world’s GDP and 42% of the global population, the BRICS bloc has successfully demonstrated its potential to impact international trade, investment, and innovation. Despite political tensions and global uncertainties, these nations have remained steadfast in their commitment to open, equitable, and inclusive trade.

Key Achievements

One of the key achievements of the BRICS alliance is the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB). It has strengthened the bloc’s position in the global economy and positioned it at the forefront of discussions on currency relations, global payment systems, and new trade arrangements.

Addressing Challenges

Challenges remain, and Mashatile stresses the importance of addressing the urgent requirements of the BRICS population. The growth and expansion of the BRICS economies must be accompanied by inclusive development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Deeper Partnerships

Fostering deeper partnerships and venturing into new realms of collaboration is crucial for the success of the BRICS nations. The bloc has the potential to attract significant international investment, allowing increased global influence and trade connections.

Equitable Growth

Mashatile emphasizes the importance of equitable growth and promoting job creation, empowering women, and uplifting communities. Prioritizing sustainable practices and environmental preservation is necessary for the benefit of future generations.

Opportunities in Africa

Being a signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and a member of BRICS, South Africa is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the potential opportunities for enhanced trade, investment, and infrastructure development. The AfCFTA has established the largest free trade area globally, connecting 1.3 billion people across 55 countries, representing a combined GDP of US$3.4 trillion.

The BRICS Business Forum serves as a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas, exploration of investment opportunities, and establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships. As visionaries, innovators, and change-makers, it is essential for the BRICS nations to unite and work together for a prosperous and sustainable future.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

l a
Previous Story

Empowering Employers and Employees: Advocacy Seminars in Richards Bay

c h
Next Story

Celebrating 25 Years of China-South Africa Diplomatic Relations: A Journey of Friendship and Cooperation

Latest from Blog

south african rand political instability

The South African Rand’s Historic Plunge: A Reflection of Political and Economic Turmoil

In 2025, the South African Rand took a historic nosedive, reaching its lowest point ever against the euro and pound. Political chaos from a controversial national budget, along with new US tariffs, caused panic among investors, leading them to pull money out of the country. On April 9, the rand fell to R21.81/€ and above R25/£, creating a wave of uncertainty and rising inflation in South Africa. This crisis reflects not only economic struggles but also the deep political issues within the nation, urging everyone to unite for a better future.

vat increase south africa politics

South Africa’s VAT Controversy: A Battle for Economic Stability and Social Justice

South Africa is facing a heated debate over a proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15% to 16% by 2026. The government believes this hike is necessary to fund vital services like health and education but promises to help lowincome families with expanded social grants and zerorated food items. However, this plan has met fierce opposition from the Democratic Alliance party, which argues it will unfairly burden the poor. As tensions rise within the coalition government, this issue reflects deeper struggles for fairness and justice in a nation still healing from past inequalities. The outcome of this tax increase could change the way South Africa balances economic needs with social responsibility.

art exhibition collective imagination

Envisioning Hope: The “And yet we imagine” Exhibition

The “And yet we imagine” exhibition at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town is a vibrant celebration of creativity and hope. Running until May 2, 2025, it showcases diverse art forms, from poetry to performance, all aimed at inspiring a sustainable future. Visitors can join workshops and discussions, sharing their own dreams for a better world. This exhibition calls on everyone to imagine together, highlighting the power of art to spark change and unite communities in facing our biggest challenges. It’s a beautiful reminder that, even in tough times, we can dream of a brighter tomorrow.

cultural appropriation mardi gras

Controversy Surrounds New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Zulu Parade

The Zulu Parade at New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is causing a stir because many South Africans find its imagery offensive. Features like blackface and outdated stereotypes upset people who feel their rich culture is being disrespected. While the parade aims to celebrate African American heritage, it blurs the line between honoring and appropriating Zulu culture. This controversy highlights how important it is to understand and respect different traditions, reminding us to think carefully about how we represent others. Ultimately, it’s a call for more empathy and dialogue in our diverse world.

cybersecurity data breach

Navigating Cybersecurity: Lessons from the Cell C Data Breach

The Cell C data breach is a big wakeup call about how important cybersecurity is in our digital lives. It shows that companies need to teach their users how to protect their personal information and be clear about what’s happening when things go wrong. After the breach, Cell C stepped up by creating an Information Hub to help users understand cyber threats and encouraging them to sign up for Protective Registration to guard against fraud. This situation reminds us that staying safe online is not just about technology; it’s also about being smart and aware.