President Cyril Ramaphosa and the EFF have extended congratulations to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following his election comeback on Sunday, securing a historic fourth term.

The win has been hailed by the EFF and Ramaphosa as a defining moment for democracy, the Global South, and the ongoing fight against global inequality.

In a statement, the EFF expressed “profound relief” at Da Silva’s victory, framing it as a crucial defence of democratic institutions.

The party drew a sharp contrast between Da Silva’s vision and the political legacy of former President Jair Bolsonaro, whose previous attempts to overturn election results were described by the EFF as a direct threat to Brazil’s democracy.

“The Brazilian people have once again affirmed the importance of respecting the will of the people and defending democracy,” the EFF stated.

The party called on Da Silva to use his renewed mandate to confront deep-seated inequality, improve the material conditions of workers and the poor, and fiercely defend Brazil’s national sovereignty.

Highlighting his previous governance milestones, the EFF praised Da Silva's expansion of the Bolsa Família social assistance programme, his success in reducing poverty and unemployment, and his actions to protect the Amazon rainforest.

According to the party, these achievements underscore the indispensable role of State intervention in safeguarding the interests of ordinary citizens.

The EFF criticised the alternative political trajectory represented by the Bolsonaro movement. The party pointed out that the spending cuts, security policies, and close alignment with US President Donald Trump proposed by the right-wing opposition threatened the genuine interests of the Brazilian people.

Furthermore, the EFF flagged the Bolsonaro movement's embrace of Zionism and its close ties with Israel as a dangerous path for Brazilian diplomacy.

Labelling Da Silva’s victory as a significant setback for international imperialist influence and the global far-right, the EFF emphasised the need to protect Brazil's right to pursue an independent foreign policy, strengthen BRICS, and fortify the Global South against Western economic pressure.

Echoing these sentiments Ramaphosa offered words of solidarity, emphasising the global resonance of the election outcome.

“On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I congratulate my dear brother and friend, President Lula, and the people of Brazil," Ramaphosa declared. "This victory will echo beyond the shores of Brazil. It is a victory for the Global South and progressive forces throughout the world.”

Brazil and South Africa maintain a close bilateral and strategic relationship founded on South-South cooperation, multilateralism and shared leadership within BRICS, IBSA, the G77+China and the G20.

Ramaphosa undertook a high-profile State visit to Brazil at the invitation of Da Silva in March, which significantly enhanced bilateral trade and political synergy between the two nations.

Reaffirming South Africa's diplomatic trajectory following Sunday's results, Ramaphosa stated that the government remains fully committed to strengthening bilateral ties.

He emphasised that South Africa would continue to work with Brazil across all multilateral forums to forge a “just, equitable, and better world order underpinned by global solidarity and strict adherence to international law”.