The relationship and dynamic between the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) member countries is still very much in it’s developing phase and not yet clearly defined, said Ambassador of Brazil to South Africa JV de Sá Pimentel.

He was commenting on South Africa’s recent invitation to join the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China.

Speaking at a seminar hosted by The African-Asian Society titled Brazil’s perspective on Bric and South Africa’s membership, in Pretoria, Pimentel was unsure of how South Africa’s membership would affect the coveted club. However, he pointed out that the inclusion of South Africa would increase the interaction between the Bric member states, as well as broaden the platform for South-South cooperation on the global stage.

Pimentel said that South Africa joining Bric was a logical step due to its membership in the India-Brazil-South Africa dialogue forum, as well as its social makeup. Brazil and South Africa have similar domestic challenges and, through this relationship, share similar ideals and values. These values are transposed to the international stage where both countries seek to create a new global order where developing countries have more representation.

He pointed out that South Africa’s inclusion into the bloc meant that the African continent was now represented. When questioned on whether South Africa was a legitimate representative of the region, Pimentel responded that the country was democratic and one of the most stable regions on the continent. Further, South Africa had shown great leadership through its involvement in other multilateral organisations such as the Southern African Development Community and the African Union.

Pimentel recognised that cultivating an alliance between the Brics members would not be easy due to their vast differences. However, he argued that the Brics bloc would act as a team in representing the voice of the developing world in challenging the current global order, specifically in forums such as the Group of 20.

He identified some of the bloc’s main challenges to be the unrepresentative makeup of the United Nation Security Council, access to natural resources, climate change and science and technology, among others.