Former Speaker and senior ANC figure Thandi Modise has praised former President Jacob Zuma for his pivotal role in securing South Africa’s place in the BRICS alliance. She emphasized the critical economic and political opportunities that BRICS membership affords the country, calling attention to Zuma’s diplomatic foresight in enhancing South Africa’s geopolitical standing.
“President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma deserves credit for pushing South Africa to join BRICS,” Modise stated in a recent address. Her remarks come as BRICS continues to expand its global influence, offering an alternative to Western-dominated institutions like the G7. “South Africa cannot walk away from the BRICS family,” she added, underscoring the importance of this membership amid evolving global power dynamics.
Since joining BRICS in 2010 under Zuma’s leadership, South Africa has capitalized on its position to foster diplomatic and economic ties with emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The alliance serves as a counterbalance to Western influence and promotes a multipolar world order, especially in trade, development, and investment sectors. Modise’s statements align with her long-standing advocacy for a diversified foreign policy that seeks strategic partnerships beyond traditional Western alliances.
Modise highlighted the immense opportunities BRICS has created for South Africa, particularly in infrastructure, investment, and trade. As the only African member of the bloc, South Africa represents the continent in high-level negotiations and forums, bringing African perspectives to vital discussions. According to Modise, this platform has amplified South Africa’s voice on the international stage, enabling it to address pressing issues such as economic inequality, climate change, and peacekeeping within a supportive network of emerging economies.
Despite the controversies surrounding Zuma’s presidency, including legal challenges and criticism of his economic policies, Modise’s comments aim to redirect public attention toward his strategic achievements. Her endorsement coincides with BRICS’ ongoing expansion, highlighted by recent invitations to countries like Argentina and Saudi Arabia, signaling the bloc’s growing influence in global governance.
Modise’s praise is likely to resonate with ANC members who support a multi-aligned foreign policy that recognizes both Western and non-Western partners. Her remarks may also reignite discussions on how South Africa can leverage its BRICS membership to tackle current economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
In her closing remarks, Modise reaffirmed the permanence of South Africa’s position in BRICS: “We need to build on this foundation and remember the leaders who helped us get here,” she stressed, emphasizing the necessity of strategic partnerships that align with South Africa’s long-term interests.
