International relations minister Naledi Pandor says Brics is unlikely to change its name even with the addition of six new members and possibly more to come..
In a post-summit interview, Pandor said the partners had not discussed the envisaged size of the bloc but she believed “modest” growth was ideal so the group did not become big and unwieldy.
Twenty-three countries had applied for membership of the global group, but only six were invited after long debates at the summit in Sandton.
Pandor said even with the addition of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE there was no need to change the name. “Brics is an [established] brand,” she said.
Pandor said the members had not discussed the envisaged size of the bloc.
“Let’s see where we go, see what develops and see how we relate to the G-77 (plus China) and the Non-Aligned Movement, of which we are members. I think it’s good to be have a modest expansion rather than it becoming too big.”
Pandor said discussions on expansion were lengthy — but it was not the most contentious matter on the table.
“Initially Brazil was concerned about expanding but in the end they were as enthusiastic as everybody.”
Pandor pointed out that expansion “means more members, work, meetings and so on”.
“I must say, initially South Africa wasn't as committed to expansion but in discussions and in the face of the great interest, we were clear that it was important to embrace expansion.”
Pandor said one of the stumbling blocks was that foreign ministers had not finalised guidelines on the expansion before the meeting of heads of state on Tuesday night but
by Wednesday the foreign ministers found they could agree.
“There were differences. Some of the members were wary of moving too fast, becoming too big, issues of ensuring a balance among the regions, but in the end I think all of us are happy with the conclusions.”
Pandor said the criteria used in selecting the new members included commitment to progressive ideas, recognising the UN as “premier global institution”, belief in peace and respect for international law.
“Most of the Brics countries come from backgrounds where we experienced colonialism and different forms of oppression so we believe in freedom and justice and the pursuit of equity and development. These are the underlying general principles that we elaborated on in the guideline document.”
We believe in freedom and justice and the pursuit of equity and development. These are the underlying general principles that we elaborated on.
— International relations minister Naledi Pandor
Asked why Nigeria, was not invited, Pandor said: “Nigeria is a new government and you can’t just select people. So we focused on countries that had formally expressed interest to the chair of Brics and we have put this in the procedures so that we don’t have a chaotic process.
“We had 23 countries formally expressing interest [in joining] and we presented them to the leaders. They decided on a phased approach and to confirm six as [full] members and the remaining 17 as Brics partner countries.”
Insiders said Nigeria was snubbed because of its “internal problems”.
“Nigeria is a very complex entity ... it has a lot of potential but the Nigerian market is very difficult. Just look at [South African cellphone company] MTN's experience in Nigeria.”
Pandor said Brics wants countries that will add value and strengthen the group.
“I suspect they would not have enjoyed support. When the New Development Bank opened membership, we identified countries to invite and Nigeria was one of them. But they never followed up. Egypt followed up and that is why we all nominated Egypt.”
This was confirmed by finance minister Enoch Godongwana, who said Nigeria was initially favoured over Egypt.
“Their vice-president is here [at the summit]. I don’t know what the hiccups are but I’m saying that from a South African perspective we would like to see Nigeria play a critical role both in the New Development Bank and in the political formation.”
Minister in the Presidency Khumbuzo Ntshavheni said the decision not to invite Nigeria to become a Brics member should not be perceived as a snub.
“Nigeria was invited here and they committed to sending a delegation. They were going to send their vice-president and the director-general so we can verify for you to say who finally came from Nigeria. We have a very good relationship with Nigeria as South Africa.”
Pandor said not only did South Africa host a successful conference but the country also asserted its voice in the geopolitical arena.
“South Africa has asserted her independence on the international stage because we don’t want to be led by the nose. We are a small player but we have a voice and that’s important,” she said. “I think what the summit has achieved is a consolidation of the Brics forum as a body that has begun to represent the voices of the [global] south.”
A key part of the summits’ declaration was the affirmation of the UN as the premier multilateral body, she said.
The acronym Bric, which did not initially include South Africa, was coined in 2001 by then Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill in a research paper that underlined the growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India and China.
The bloc was founded as an informal club in 2009 to provide a platform for its members to challenge a world order dominated by the US and its Western allies.
The summit has tasked its finance ministers and central bank governors to consider the modalities in trading in each other’s local currencies.
On the de-dollarisation debate, Pandor said “it’s actually a foolish phrase” which she does not use.
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