Ten Zimbabwean children, formerly homeless but now residents of the First Lady's Children's Home in Chiredzi, experienced the adventure of a lifetime at the "We Are the World!" sports festival, which took them from the familiar warmth of Africa to the snowy Russian city of St. Petersburg.
"The First Lady actually came to the airport, and we did have a very inspiring send off from the First lady," Victor Muntanga, Zimbabwe's Official BRICS Forum Ambassador, says.
Zimbabwe's First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa saw the group off "with encouraging words to build friendships" and "to represent the country", Muntanga reminisces. In addition, the group were escorted by police to the airport for extra security.
Final Meeting of BRICS+ Sherpas/Sous-Sherpas
On November 28, the Final Meeting of BRICS+ Sherpas\Sous-Sherpas concluded in Russia's city of Ekaterinburg, the same city that hosted the first ever BRIC Summit, then without South Africa.
At the event, Russia handed over its chairmanship of the bloc to Brazil, represented by a gavel.
"Russia has done a spectacular job in consolidating BRICS cooperation," Ben Joubert, South Africa's Sous-Sherpa to BRICS, says.
On Brazil's one-year presidency, Joubert expresses optimism. He highlights specific areas of focus for Brazil, including the use of national currencies for trade and the advancement of AI initiatives.
"I think BRICS has stayed true to the idea of being a voice for the Global South. You know, nothing has changed in that sense," he emphasizes.
To hear what the gentleman have to say, check out the entire episode of the AfroVerdict podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.
► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Podcast Addict and Afripods.
► Check out all the episodes of AfroVerdict.