Lamola hails South Africa‑Brazil partnership as ‘dependable anchor’ and says democracy remains ‘work in progress’

South Africa reaffirmed its strategic ties with Brazil at the Eighth Session of the South Africa‑Brazil Joint Commission in Pretoria, where International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola described the partnership as “a dependable anchor in a turbulent world.” The meeting was co‑chaired by Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, and took place on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.

Democracy and shared history

Opening the session, Lamola framed the gathering as part of both countries’ shared democratic journeys. He said,

“Our histories remind us that democracy is always a work in progress.”

He added:

“Democratic victories are never permanent. They survive through vigilance, strong institutions and the active participation of citizens.”

Marking recent national milestones, Lamola invoked the significance of South Africa’s Constitution and historic struggles, noting the anniversaries of 30 years of South Africa’s democratic Constitution and 70 years since the Women’s March of 1956. He quoted Paulo Freire:

“Freedom is acquired through struggle, not by gift.”

Economic and people‑to‑people ties

Lamola emphasised the economic dimension of the strategic relationship. He said Brazil is South Africa’s largest trading partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade reaching $2 billion in 2025. He described South Africa as offering Brazilian companies access to Africa’s market and Brazil as a gateway into Latin America and the Caribbean, and urged the partnership to “fulfil its true promise.”

The minister highlighted progress in a range of sectors, including tourism, agriculture, education, mining and technology, and noted plans to conclude an investment promotion agreement. He said nearly 65 000 Brazilians visited South Africa in 2025, attributing the recovery in part to a bilateral 90‑day visa agreement and the expansion of direct flights between South Africa and São Paulo.

Global cooperation and critical minerals

On global issues, Lamola said South Africa and Brazil were acting as “bridge builders between the North and South,” and pressing for reforms to global governance and financial systems. He warned against debt burdens that divert spending away from public services:

“We cannot accept a world where classrooms and hospitals are sacrificed to service debt. Together, Brazil and South Africa are advancing concrete reforms that put inequality at the centre of the global agenda.”

Lamola also emphasised cooperation on critical minerals, calling for an approach that supports industrialisation and prosperity in the Global South. He said,

“We must break old patterns of extraction.”

He added:

“The minerals that power a green future must also power skills, technology and prosperity in our own societies.”

Looking ahead

The Joint Commission session follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Brazil in March, when the two countries reaffirmed their Strategic Partnership. With Brazil approaching national elections, Lamola expressed confidence in Brazil’s democratic resilience and extended goodwill:

“We wish the people of Brazil well. South Africa is proud to have in Brazil a dependable ally and co‑creator of a just, democratic and equitable world.”