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Global South Rising, Lamola Says BRICS Delivers Ahead of BRICS Ministers Meeting
South Africa's Ronald Lamola told NDTV on the eve of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi that the Global South is rising and BRICS is delivering concrete results. He spoke of diversification, trade, and local-currency settlements, while noting that a BRICS currency remains unlikely for now. The interview covered SA-India trade talks, G20 legitimacy, UNSC reform, and the need for dialogue amid global conflicts.
Why It Matters
The remarks signal shifting global power dynamics, potential diversification away from Western-dominated financial systems, and a push for UN Security Council reform, framing BRICS as a driver of change for the Global South.
Timeline
6 Events
SA-India ties highlighted; citrus exports as example of trade growth
May 13, 2026
Lamola highlighted the deep bilateral relationship between South Africa and India, tracing roots to Gandhi's activism in South Africa and Mandela's friendship with India, and noted growing trade with India, including South African citrus exports expanding in the Indian market.
Call for dialogue amid global conflicts; non-aligned stance
May 13, 2026
Lamola urged dialogue amid conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine and the US-Israel-Iran confrontation, noting that modern warfare cannot be won through technology alone and that resolution requires patience and sustained diplomacy. He reaffirmed South Africa's non-aligned foreign policy, saying the country will not act at the behest of any superpower and seeks investment and partnerships from all major powers.
UN Security Council reform: Ezulwini Consensus support for permanent seats
May 13, 2026
Lamola, backed by the Ezulwini Consensus of the African Union, supported permanent UNSC seats for India, Brazil, and two African nations, saying the UN Security Council must reflect post-colonial world dynamics. He welcomed the Pact of the Future adopted at the UN General Assembly as a roadmap toward this reform.
Lamola rejects SA exclusion from upcoming G20 summit
May 13, 2026
Lamola pushed back against reports that South Africa could be excluded from the upcoming G20 summit in Florida, arguing that South Africa is a founding member and questioning the meeting's legitimacy if SA is not present. He contrasted SA's position with that of the United States, which chose not to attend when it hosted the summit previously.
SA-India free trade agreement negotiations at an advanced stage
May 13, 2026
The announcement stated that negotiations between the South African Customs Union and India are at an advanced stage, with a free trade agreement expected to be concluded soon. This would place South Africa alongside the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Oman as nations that have recently sealed trade deals with India.
Lamola on Global South rising ahead of BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting
May 13, 2026
Lamola stated that the Global South is rising, BRICS is delivering concrete results, and the days of Western hegemony are numbered. He said the bloc views global economic turbulence as an opportunity for diversification, focusing on strengthening trade ties, reducing dependence on Western-dominated financial systems, and settling transactions in local currencies. He added that, for now, the emphasis is on trade rather than a BRICS currency.