'Reshaping Global Development Agenda': Nelson Mandela's Grandson Speaks at BRICS Summit
19:57 23.08.2023 (Updated: 20:20 23.08.2023)
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The 2023 BRICS Summit takes place in Johannesburg on August 22-24. For the first time, the event drew not only the delegations of the Group of Five, but also many more feom all over the Global South.
A grandson of the legendary South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela – Mandla Mandela, Chief of Royal House of Mandela delivered a speech at the 15th BRICS summit held in Johannesburg.
He greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin in absentia and acknowledged "the important role he and the Russian Federation plays in creating a multipolar world, reform of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, the success of BRICS and crafting a new agenda for Africa's development."
Mandela likened BRICS to institutions such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), noting that the Group of Five "has an important role to play in advancing the struggle against Western imperialism and giving voice to the aspirations of the voiceless and power to the oppressed of the world."
According to him, "BRICS represents the strongest expression of the aspirations of the global South and presents an opportunity to bring to an end the vestiges of colonialism and neo-colonialism. This is nowhere more palpable than on the African continent, Latin America and the Middle East."
Mandela also noted that he is "not oblivious to the realities, challenges and perils" of the collapse of the dollar and the reshaping of the global economy and the role of BRICS in these processes.
"We are clear that there is no future for colonialism of any sort. We stand with those who have historically supported Africa and the developing world's liberation, and through BRICS, we must continue shaping economic and political relations that are mutually beneficial," the chief stressed.
In order to combat global injustice, eradicate poverty, and advance sustainability, BRICS must continue to focus on empowering human development through education, skill sharing, and the use of emerging technology, he noted.
Mandela also highlited the historic ties between China and South Africa.
"China is at the forefront of reshaping the global economy and an important development partner in Africa. The historic ties that bind us must continue to be nurtured and developed. China's preeminent role in BRICS and its leadership is critical in creating and shaping the future development agenda of the world. We must learn from People’s Republic of China the valuable lessons of rebuilding the world village by village; not only in economic terms but in all aspects," he said.
The chief recalled the story of Mahatma Ghandi as a vivid example of historic ties between South Africa and India.
He elaborated: "South Africa shares a deep-rooted and long history with India perhaps epitomized by being home to one of the largest if not the largest Indian communities outside of India. That and our love and reverence for Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi who not only is a symbol of our own struggle but a global symbol of resistance against imperialism. His opposition to all forms of discrimination is known and celebrated the world over. His life is linked to the history of the freedom struggle in South Africa."
Talking about about latin America and the BRICS' "B" – Brazil – the chief welcomed the presidency of Lula da Silva.
"We welcome the resurgence of progressive forces in Latin America and hence celebrate the role of Brazil in BRICS under the leadership of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Latin America, especially Cuba played a pivotal role in our struggle for liberation. The New Development Bank is under the Chair of Dilma Rousseff the first woman president in the history of Brazil," Mandela said.
The chief elaborated on the lessons Brazil could teach developing countries.
"We have great expectations of Brazil as it has developed a great model for advancing agricultural transformation, creating jobs and improving food security. We have much to learn from them especially in the area of biofuels where they have more than 40 years leadstart on us. They remain a valued partner in BRICS and we must draw staretgic lessons for Africa's development agenda," he noted.
Mandela concluded by once again outlining the mission of the BRICS.
"We are in the throngs of reshaping the global development agenda and each of us owe it to posterity to stand firm and be counted. [...] Together, we can assert pressure for the reform of multilateral institutions of global governance and drive an agenda of a just transformation of the global economy; ending inequality, eradicating poverty and ensuring justice, dignity and food security for all," he said.
