South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola called for greater BRICS unity and United Nations reform during a visit to New Delhi [1, 2].
The diplomatic push comes as the Global South seeks a more influential role in international governance and a shift in the traditional power balance of the UN.
Lamola arrived in India to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cohesion among BRICS members ahead of the group's foreign ministers' meeting [1, 2]. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday [1].
During his remarks, Lamola said the relationship between India and South Africa is "deep historically and grown from strength to strength" [1]. He said the current geopolitical climate reflects a shift in global influence, stating, "The Global South is rising" [1].
While Lamola presented a confident message regarding the growth of the bloc, reports indicate varying perspectives on the group's internal stability. Some accounts suggest BRICS is in turmoil, noting that India faces a significant challenge to restore unity after one member used military force against another [1].
Despite these internal frictions, Lamola continued to advocate for structural changes at the United Nations to better reflect the interests of developing nations [1, 2]. He framed the BRICS alliance as more than mere symbolism, positioning it as a vehicle for tangible reform in global diplomacy [1].
Lamola said the cooperation between the member states is essential for addressing the challenges facing the Global South [1, 2].
“"The Global South is rising."”
Lamola's visit highlights the tension between the public narrative of a rising, unified Global South and the internal instabilities currently facing the BRICS bloc. By calling for UN reform, South Africa is signaling that the group intends to move beyond economic cooperation toward challenging the post-WWII international order, even as member conflicts threaten that cohesion.
