The Geopolitics of BRICS 29Many BRICS observers note that BRICS is not a partnership of equals
and within this context South Africa is regarded as the “adopted child” of
the grouping. A factor that places the country’s status within this grouping
in perspective is the fact that in numerous articles written on the BRICS by
notable institutions and publications, South Africa is not mentioned and
when reference is made to the grouping the articles refer to the “BRICs.”
Despite the negativity surrounding choosing South Africa as a member
to the grouping, Smith sees the choice of South Africa as “a deft political
move that enhances BRICS status and position. South Africa has Africa’s
largest economy. Despite other candidates being more ‘deserving’, African
credentials are important geopolitically, which allows BRICS to have a
four-continental breadth thus expanding influence and trade
opportunities.”^37 The question is asked as to why South Africa became a
member of BRICS and not Nigeria or even Indonesia, as both have a
rapidly developing population and potential. There seems to have been a
degree of forward thinking regarding this scenario bearing in mind that the
founders of BRICS could well have some reservations pertaining to the
addition of a Muslim bridgehead for the organization.^38
South Africa’s geopolitical relevance should not be underestimated.
The country has a geographical position that overlooks three essential
shipping lanes in the Eastern hemisphere and as a result Cape Agulhas will
continue to witness many super shipping tankers. Added to this is the fact
that China has the world’s largest tanker ship yards. It must be
remembered that the Suez Canal has ship size limitations and that the
Canal is not entirely dependable, as it has been closed in the past due to
conflict within the region.
Brazil and South Africa have what Zbigniew Brzezinski identified as
“Eurasian periphery” as each respective country opens an entire continent
to trade. South Africa’s membership in BRICS, from an African
perspective, indicates symmetry regarding the timing. The majority of
BRICS countries believe that the West is trying to reestablish an imperial
presence in Africa, specifically from the north. One of the primary reasons
is to contain China, to prevent it from obtaining the continent’s resource
exports, bearing in mind that 60% of Africa’s resources are exported to
China.^39 An additional fact is that Africa needs to trade with China and
already the country is the continent’s largest trading partner (US$ 200
(^37) Smith, “BRIC Becomes BRICS: Changes on the Geopolitical Chessboard”, 1-7.
(^38) Podolyak, “BRIC Countries and South Africa”, 1-3.
(^39) Podolyak, “BRIC Countries and South Africa”, 1-3.