South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala has emphasized the importance of the BRICS economic bloc as an alternative platform that promotes cooperation among nations on an equal footing.
In an interview with Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit, Zikalala expressed his belief that the global community seeks a platform where countries can collaborate without being dominated by the so-called "traditional superpowers."
"The majority of the countries in the world are yearning for a platform where they could cooperate at a mutual level without being dominated by the so-called superpowers. And that's why many people are eager to join BRICS," he said.
Zikalala praised the BRICS+ concept (meaning the expansion of the group), stating that it would help reshape the balance of forces in the world and create a more balanced economic trade environment.
The BRICS+ initiative encompasses the inclusion of other emerging market economies, allowing for a broader and more diverse cooperation among nations.
"It [BRICS+] is really an alternative to the unipolar world, and it will help to reshape the balance of forces in the world and the balance of the economic trade," the official said.
Highlighting South Africa's pivotal role within the African continent, the minister emphasized that his country serves as a gateway to Africa.
According to him, trading with South Africa not only allows access to its own market but also facilitates entry into the broader African market.
"We have recently adopted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which allows that if the company is based in Africa, you can trade in the continent. And we believe that South Africa is an anchor of that platform," Zikalala told Sputnik Africa.
He also emphasized the importance of countries being able to trade in their own currencies or establishing a common currency within the BRICS framework in order to reduce dependence on external influences.
The 15th BRICS Summit, currently taking place in Johannesburg, has brought together representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit aims to enhance economic cooperation, facilitate dialogue on global issues and promote inclusive development and the use of national currencies among BRICS countries and partners.
The summit will also consider expanding the group's membership to include other emerging economies. Those who have expressed interest to join the bloc include Nigeria, Indonesia, Turkiye, Egypt and many more. The expansion is expected to bolster the group's diversity and clout in global affairs.