The Democratic Alliance (DA) federal congress has rejected a resolution proposing that South Africa withdraws from the BRICS group that comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The congress voted in favor of South Africa remaining part of the group, citing the economic benefits of membership, and condemned Russia for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine and expressed support for Ukraine.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) federal congress has rejected a resolution proposing that South Africa withdraws from the BRICS group that comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The congress voted in favor of South Africa remaining part of the group, citing the economic benefits of membership, and condemned Russia for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine and expressed support for Ukraine.
The DA congress spokesperson, Werner Horn, clarified that the vote on Russia did not contradict the vote to remain in BRICS, The congress believes that South Africa can maintain its membership of BRICS while continuing to object to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The 13th annual BRICS summit is scheduled to take place in South Africa later this year, with uncertainty over whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend.
South Africa is a member partner of the International Crimes Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin.
The DA congress considered 43 resolutions on various topics, including international relations, the economy, and farm murders, and its rejection of the resolution to leave BRICS signals the party’s commitment to maintaining South Africa’s economic ties with the group.
The congress’s support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia’s actions reflect the party’s stance on international relations, while the votes on both resolutions suggest that the DA believes South Africa can participate in international organizations while remaining critical of the actions of some members.