In a published statement ahead of the visit, President Cyril Ramaphosa has on behalf of the government, and the people of South Africa extended his warm congratulations and well wishes to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the occasion of his re-election for a historic fourth term. The statement, released by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (dirco) on 26 October 2026, confirms that Brazil and South Africa maintain a close bilateral and strategic relationship founded on South-South cooperation, multilateralism and shared leadership within BRICS, IBSA, the G77+China and the G20. In March 2026, President Ramaphosa undertook a state visit to Brazil at the invitation of President Lula. The visit further enhanced the existing bilateral trade and political relationship. “On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa I congratulate my dear brother and friend, President Lula and the people of Brazil. This victory will echo beyond the shores of Brazil. It is a victory for the global south and progressive forces throughout the world. We affirm our commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries and working closely together in all multilateral fora to forge a just and better world order underpinned by solidarity and adherence to international law”, says President Ramaphosa. The statement does not address any specific economic or security implications of the re-election.
Context
The congratulatory message from President Ramaphosa represents a standard diplomatic gesture following a presidential election. However, the framing of Lula’s victory as “a victory for the global south and progressive forces throughout the world” highlights the strategic importance South Africa places on its relationship with Brazil. This relationship is predicated on shared membership within key multilateral institutions, notably BRICS, IBSA, and the G20 – forums where both nations have sought to advance a ‘South-South’ perspective on global governance. The state visit in March 2026, as detailed in the statement, demonstrates a deliberate effort to deepen this partnership beyond transactional trade considerations. The statement does not mention any specific outcomes from the state visit or any planned follow-up engagements.
What to Watch
Should the visit yield further opportunities for collaboration within BRICS, particularly regarding trade finance and infrastructure development, South Africa is likely to reiterate its support for Brazil’s continued role as a key player in the bloc. If the current political climate within Brazil remains stable, the statement suggests a continued commitment from Pretoria to deepen bilateral engagement. The statement does not mention any planned future meetings between the two leaders. The statement does not address any potential implications for South Africa’s own foreign policy objectives, particularly concerning its relationships with Western powers.
