Hon Chairperson, firstly, on behalf of the FF Plus I would like to start by thanking the hon Minister for making the statement in Parliament today about the fifth Brics summit. Also, it emphasises the important role that Parliament plays in terms of our international relations. I think that is very important. The Minister correctly pointed out that this specific summit - the fifth summit - will be the first to be held on African soil. I think we should all be very proud about that.
The world is experiencing a profound shift from the previous seat of economic, political and social power to a multiparty system with Brics countries playing a very important and more important role every day. If you look at the projections made everywhere internationally in terms of economic growth and development in the world and in terms of what is being proposed and predicted regarding what is happening and will happen until 2050 and beyond, it's quite clear that South Africa is very privileged to have joined such an important club - Brics - if I may put it that way. The other countries involved in Brics, except South Africa, are all very strong economically in terms of growth and prosperity and we will benefit in that regard.
However, South Africa's comparative advantage within Brics seems to be our considerable mineral wealth. A recent report by the USA-based Citigroup Bank ranked South Africa as the world's richest country in terms of its mineral reserves, which reserves are worth more than an estimated US$2,5 trillion. That is a very big advantage for South Africa, but we must make sure that we are not used by the other countries in the Brics group merely as the supplier of these kinds of raw materials and those kinds of things.
Dit is ook belangrik dat Suid-Afrika 'n rol speel in die res van die kontinent, en dat ons nie gesoleer word as die enigste land in Afrika wat by Brics betrokke is nie. Ons moet daardie geleentheid gebruik. Die agb Minister het verwys na ... (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[It is also important for South Africa to play a role in the rest of the continent, and that we should not be isolated as the only African country that is involved in Brics. We must use that opportunity. The hon Minister referred to ...]
... the retreat after Brics where the other African leaders will also be involved. I think it is very important that we play this role as the bridge between the Brics group and the rest of Africa.
Allow me to wish the Minister and the Department of International Relations and Co-operation everything of the best. We hope and believe that it will be a huge success. Thank you.