South Africa has contributed towards the formation of a new global organisational actor consisting of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) which later became BRICS as a result of its admission into it as its member. This is despite the fact that it was not formally an integral part of BRIC at its formation. Why it was invited to be its member and why it accepted this invitation is not an issue the way these questions are discussed by a considerable number of South African scholars who question its membership to BRICS. More than any African country, it tangibly, best and effectively articulated key socio-political and economic issues, processes and developments in international affairs and how they affect Africa and the rest of the South. More than any African country it tangibly, best and effectively called for the resolution of problems serving as obstacles to the achievement of development and progress not only of Africa and the rest the South, but also of the world as a whole.  In the process it contributed towards the formation of BRIC without being a participant in the meetings where its formation was discussed and agreed upon.

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Written by Dr Sehlare Makgetlaneng
Chief Research Specialist
Programme Leader: Governance and Security
Africa Institute of South Africa,
Human Sciences Research Council
Pretoria, South Africa