S. Africa's governing party reaffirms support for BRICS

South Africa's governing party, the African National Congress, or ANC, reiterated supporting a multipolar world order and the country's BRICS membership in its 55th national conference that concluded late last month.

The ANC held its 55th national conference between Dec 16 and 20, and elected the top seven party leaders and 80 national executive committee members to lead the party for the next five years.

In a declaration issued following the conference, the party said it will continue to work toward a multipolar world order and will work with progressive forces in the world by focusing on the implementation and realization of the goals of Agenda 2063 put forward by the African Union in 2015.

ANC committee member David Makhura said the party welcomes China's development and is concerned about the rise in populism and right-wing forces in the West.

"The ANC draws valuable lessons from some progressive forces across the world. BRICS has set up its own institutions and more countries want to join it," he said.

"The rise of China and BRICS is being countered by governments and forces we call conservatives, competitive forces that see China as a rival. China is being countered through trade wars. The ANC is part of the progressive global forces. We are trying to counterbalance a development path chosen by the Global South rather than dominated by the hegemony in the Global North, North America and Europe."

Makhura said instability and conflict reduce the gains made in the African continent and affect economic growth, and African leaders should work together to ensure peace and stability in the continent.

On the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Makhura said it is a continuation of the Cold War. Makhura said South Africa has historically been part of the nonaligned movement and it still believes it does not need to take sides. The ANC concluded that all "protagonists" should be brought to the negotiating table, he said.

Makhura said the conflict formed an important part of the discussion. It concluded that the US and NATO are now participating in the conflict, and it is "undermining and threatening" world peace.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.