The BRICS TB Research Network is a collaboration between Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to combat tuberculosis, which disproportionately affects their populations. The Network encourages TB program managers and scientists to combine their expertise and resources to develop strategies and solutions against TB. The recent Durban Summit saw representatives from the BRICS countries assemble to brainstorm and innovate methodologies to fight TB, with South Africa’s National Strategic Plan and TB Recovery Plan playing crucial roles in the fight against the disease. Despite hurdles, the BRICS leadership, dedication of its participating nations, and shared vision of a TBfree world underscore the potency of international collaboration to effectively tackle common health crises.
Get ready for a mindblowing international fashion spectacle at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow on November 28th. With over 230 experts from 60 countries, the summit offers a diverse mix of talent and unique viewpoints. South Africa is set to take center stage, showcasing its dynamic fashion history with contributions from prominent figures like Stephen Manzini and David Tlale. The summit aims to shake up established fashion markets and influence global trends while promoting international cooperation in shaping the future of fashion.
The BRICS Tourism Ministers Meeting in Cape Town focused on creating a more robust, sustainable, and inclusive tourism sector through intraBRICS tourism. Highranking representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, and China worked together to encourage inclusive tourism growth by creating innovative travel packages, employing joint marketing tactics, and tackling barriers impeding growth. The meeting emphasized the need for cooperation in critical areas such as sustainable policies and practices, ecofriendly business models, and reevaluating perceptions of tourism success.
The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is set to host a historic event from 31 July to 4 August this year. The BRICS Ministers of Communications Meeting 2023, a crucial precursor to the 15th BRICS Summit scheduled for August, will convene under the leadership of South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Mondli Gungubele.
On June 1st, 2023, the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations gathered in Cape Town, South Africa to discuss a range of political, economic, and social issues. The theme of the meeting was “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.” The ministers emphasized the importance of solidarity, openness, and consensus in shaping global policies.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has taken a crucial step in ensuring the smooth functioning of the upcoming BRICS conferences in South Africa. In a notice published on May 29, 2023, the government gazette outlined the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges that will be conferred for the duration of these conferences.
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South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, will host the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Meeting in Cape Town on June 1, 2023. The meeting aims to enhance diplomatic relationships and encourage cooperation among participating nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The midterm meeting provides a platform for Foreign Ministers to engage in discussions on regional and global developments.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced an Africanled peace initiative to help resolve the ongoing RussiaUkraine conflict. This initiative highlights the growing role of African nations in global diplomacy. The collective effort comprises representatives from several countries, which includes Zambia, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Egypt, and South Africa. The African leaders intend to send a delegation to Moscow and Kyiv to present their proposal, with an aim to put an end to the devastating war.
The Minister of Finance Enoch Gondongwana presented the National Treasury of South Africa’s Budget Vote for the 2023/24 financial year, highlighting the government’s efforts to foster higher and more inclusive economic growth, address fiscal vulnerability, and stabilize public finances. The total allocated budget for the National Treasury amounts to R34.9 billion, with 85% allocated to transfers and subsidies.
The BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have made significant progress in recent years. However, with the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, it is crucial for these countries to demonstrate unity, solidarity, and camaraderie. The Second Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting concluded with Thobile Lamati, DirectorGeneral of the Department of Employment and Labour, emphasizing the need for member states to leverage their collective power in multilateral forums to advance common interests and protect their positions.
South Africa’s Balancing Act: Navigating the Global Dynamics between the West and BRICS
As a regional power and a member of the BRICS bloc, South Africa is facing a challenging position as it attempts to navigate the complex global dynamics between the West, particularly the United States, and the BRICS countries. The country must delicately balance its relationships with both sides while also promoting its national interests.
The BRICS partnership, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has the potential to significantly impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. The alliance aims to ensure that economic growth and decent work opportunities are distributed more equitably among disadvantaged groups.
The informal sector comprises a significant portion of the workforce in BRICS countries, with 62% of workers employed in this sector. However, the lack of formal training and education creates a skills gap and results in low productivity and work deficits. To promote decent work and reduce poverty, it is crucial to address this skills gap and incentivize a transition to formality.
At the second Employment Working Group (EWG) held in Port Alfred, South Africa, BRICS countries were encouraged to increase trade amongst themselves to promote economic growth within the bloc. ## Highlighting the Discrepancy in Trade
South Africa is facing a crucial decision regarding the R350 Social Relief Grant. The Second BRICS Working Group Meeting, held in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, discussed the proposal to replace the grant with a Basic Income Grant (BIG). The urgency of implementing social protection measures was highlighted by Dr. Joni Musabayana, Director for Decent Work for Southern and Eastern Africa at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). With the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and the potential for future crises, integrating social protection measures has become vital.