This week, 40 Heads of State will jet into South Africa, the only African member of the 5-nation BRICS bloc, which is seen to represent the South. It has attracted African leaders, many of whom will attend. The meeting will aim to play a part in ending the war against Ukraine and discuss a currency to challenge the US Dollar; it will also plan to extend its membership, with 23 applications to join. President Cyril Ramaphosa will have to be skillful as a host to increase the bloc’s economic importance while maintaining good relations with the US.
He also hopes this BRICS meeting will boost his election chances in 2024.
The “Daily Maverick” has said a business leader expressed disappointment in the President’s indecisiveness. Praised for stopping “State Capture,” moving on energy, logistics, crime, and corruption, and replacing leaders of the SA Revenue Service and National Prosecuting Authority, he was criticized for hesitating.
Earlier reports that he wished to retire have since been dispelled. His chances will increase if Eskom’s woes with electricity supplies are seriously improved, among other issues. He currently leads in the polls, which may change if millions of young people register to vote. Another threat is the Multi-Party Charter pact signed last week by seven political parties.