Right after the 2025 Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, Sputnik Africa conducted an interview with Paul Mashatile, South Africa's Deputy President.
Mashatile asserted that Africa and the Global South are "creating a new and more just world order." He criticized Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank, stating:
"We want to be participants where decisions are made. We want the reform of multilateral institutions. We want to be in the Security Council... Africa is not looking for handouts, we are looking to get resources for development, like any other country."
Mashatile also highlighted BRICS’ role in fostering trade resilience and reducing reliance on Western financial systems, pointing to growing local currency transactions.
On cultural diplomacy, he stressed the importance of people-to-people ties, citing South Africa’s cultural agreements with Russia and plans for expanded exchanges.
Following the interview, AfroVerdict was joined by Mikatekiso Kubayi, Senior Researcher in International Relations at UNISA’s Institute of Global Dialogue, to dissuss the outcomes of Mashatile’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of SPIEF 2025.
Kubayi noted the deepening economic collaboration, particularly in energy and infrastructure.
"Russia is an expert in the oil and gas industry... South Africa is developing an energy economy, and [Russia's oil- and gas-focused] Gazprombank’s involvement in refinery revitalization is crucial," he stressed.
He also addressed challenges in implementing agreements, citing Africa’s state capacity limitations, but underscored the historical and geopolitical significance of the partnership:
"This long-established relationship is more important now than ever... With the weaponization of the dollar and Western unilateralism, Global South solidarity is vital."
For deeper insights into Mashatile’s vision for Africa and the evolving Russia-South Africa alliance, tune in to the full episode of AfroVerdict, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
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