ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula expressed that the BRICS group of nations is determined not to repeat historical mistakes that involve dividing and oppressing humanity.
Mbalula delivered this message during the closing address at the BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue on Thursday.
His remarks come in the context of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has raised concerns about Russia’s participation in the BRICS summit.
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the summit in August.
The summit is set to be hosted by South Africa and will gather the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, and China from the 22nd to the 24th of August.
It is important to note that the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin on charges of war crimes related to the alleged unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.
Despite these developments, Mbalula emphasized that BRICS and all its associated meetings and programs are not aimed at opposing any particular country.
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“As BRICS we refuse to declare any country as our enemy. BRICS will remain open to engagements with all, we welcome those who want to be part of the BRICS family of nations, that want to guarantee their right to choose their development parts and social systems.”
“Humanity has a beautiful diversity of cultures, religions and civilizations which is our common and shared heritage. The BRICS Political Party Plus Dialogue will not repeat the mistakes of slavery, colonialism, patriarchy and imperialism that sought to divide humanity and rule the world on the basis of oppression, discrimination, racism, injustice and inequality.”
