The BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue has commenced in Johannesburg, with the ANC anticipating vibrant debates and exchanges over the next three days. More than 50 political parties from BRICS nations and other countries interested in joining the group are participating in the dialogue, which focuses on the theme “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.”
Delegates from Palestine, Cuba, Venezuela, Western Sahara, and former liberation movements in Africa have already arrived for the event. The dialogue’s first day began with an opening address delivered by ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Following Mashatile’s speech, BRICS member states, including China’s Communist Party, Russia’s Communist Party and United Russia Party, India’s Indian National Congress Party and Bharatiya Janata Party, and Brazil’s Workers Party and Liberal Party, delivered their messages. The event also featured an Eminent Persons Panel, where former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe engaged in discussions with Olesegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Jaoquim Chissano of Mozambique.
Nomvula Mokonyane, ANC’s first deputy secretary-general, described the BRICS dialogue as the place “where the real stuff gets cooked.” She emphasized the ANC’s commitment to promoting solidarity, friendship, and peace in Africa, while also exploring how BRICS can play a pivotal role in the economies of member nations.
Mokonyane expressed the desire for important issues to be addressed during the dialogue, ensuring that by the time the heads of state convene in August, substantial progress would have been made. She emphasized the significance of this platform in shaping policies and decisions that will be discussed and implemented during the heads of state meeting.
The BRICS reform agenda aims to establish a more equitable, fair, and democratic global governance system. It envisions driving reforms in the global financial system and institutions while mobilizing the global community towards development, particularly in less developed regions.
The bloc has gained international attention not only for its growing development financial institution, the New Development Bank (NDB), but also for leading discussions on currency relations, global payment systems, new trade, and other critical global issues. The BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue serves as a valuable opportunity to advance these objectives and shape the future direction of the bloc’s collective efforts.
ANC President Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa is keynote speaker at the BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue Gala Dinner#BRICSInAfrica#BuildingABetterWorld https://t.co/ZsFmBWg3EO pic.twitter.com/ysdeUMGsUL
— African National Congress (@MYANC) July 18, 2023
#BRICSinAfrica2023 pic.twitter.com/d0RD5CzCrn
— African National Congress (@MYANC) July 18, 2023
On the sidelines of #BRICSInAfrica2023, The ANC Secretary General @MbalulaFikile had a bilateral meeting with the delegation of Frente de Libertação Moçambique (FRELIMO) led by their Secretary General Roque Silva Samuel, to reflect on the personal sacrifices that both parties… pic.twitter.com/p1S52Ax9OB
— African National Congress (@MYANC) July 18, 2023
