As readers will know, South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August. Aside from the mandatory photographs and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, did South Africa actually benefit from the conference? In a word, yes.
In a mirror image of the formal government engagements, South Africa chaired the BRICS Business Council in 2023. This provided us with a platform to engage the private sector bodies of other BRICS countries. The Agribusiness Working Group, under the expert guidance of my colleague Wandile Sihlobo, provided the politicians with a clear statement of intent. The private sector wants
