Global South Rising, BRICS Not Mere Symbolism: South African Minister Tells NDTV

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Source: NDTV.com | Original Published At: 2026-05-13 12:54:53 UTC

Ahead of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi, South Africa’s Ronald Lamola said the Global South is rising and BRICS is producing concrete results.
Lamola cited concessional New Development Bank loans to South Africa, including support linked to logistics and water-related challenges.
He said BRICS members are prioritizing trade diversification, reduced reliance on Western-dominated financial systems, and more local-currency settlement.
On a possible BRICS common currency, Lamola said the current focus remains on trade rather than immediate currency union.
He linked broader reform goals to multilateral governance, including UN Security Council reform and support for greater representation of India, Brazil, and African states.
Lamola reiterated South Africa’s non-aligned stance and called for diplomacy over military escalation in ongoing global conflicts.