Jacob Zuma Describes BRICS as a Revolution Against the Dollar Empire, Leaves South Africans Divided
- Former South African President Jacob Zuma has spoken up about what BRICS brings to the table in Ghana
- The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader said it was not just an alliance, but a rebellion against financial colonialism
- South Africans shared mixed reactions online to Zuma's statement, with some praising him for his comments
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GHANA – BRICS was formed as a rebellion against financial colonialism.
That’s according to uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader, Jacob Zuma, who talked up the grouping at the UPSA Annual Leadership Lecture in Ghana, West Africa. BRICS is a grouping of emerging economies, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) in 2006.
South Africa joined in 2010, leading to the current name BRICS. It has since expanded and now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
What did Zuma say about BRICS?
Addressing the lecture, Zuma stated it was a revolution against the all-powerful dollar.
He added that it was not created as just a debating society, but more as an assertion that the Global South needed to chart its own path in the world economy.
“BRICS is not just an alliance; it is a revolution against the dollar empire,” he said.
The group has already caused a stir in the White House, with United States of America President, Donald Trump, threatening in 2024 to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS countries if they moved ahead with their own currency to rival the dollar.
In February 2025, he revisited his promise to declare a trade war if BRICS nations moved forward with an anti-US dollar stance.
Zuma highlights the importance of BRICS
The former South African president said that problems arose when African states approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank for loans, thinking they would get support to develop, but instead walked into ‘economically crippling debt traps and humiliation.’
As a result, the BRICS countries declared that enough was enough and banded together. He also noted that South Africa joined as the bridge that would connect Africa to the group.
“This mattered because Africa holds the resources the world cannot live without: cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo that powers the batteries of electric cars and cellphones, platinum from South Africa that drives the automotive industry, cocoa from west Africa that sweetens the world, and oil and gas from Nigeria and Angola that fuel economies,” he said.
Zuma also noted the gold deposits in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. The MK Party leaders also encouraged African countries to prove that it was not dependent on Western influence and could build systems to benefit the continent’s future.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans divided by Zuma’s comments
Social media users weighed in on Zuma’s statement, with some marvelling at his comments, while others criticised it.
Jimmy Swafo stated:
“It is not like Zuma formed BRICS. He only joined it. He should be telling us about him giving the Guptas powers to dismiss and appoint ministers.”
Lindelani Mthembu said:
“President Jacob Zuma’s haters never sleep. But once again, his political acumen is a show to marvel at. The love that he enjoys is inscribed in the hearts and souls of ordinary people. No machinations, no vengeful individual, and no institution, however high and mighty, would erase that.”
Siyabonga Xolo added:
“I think JZ understands BRICS more than Ramaphosa, who is always shocked.”
Faku Thabiso Ndamase stated:
"On this one he is spot on."
Ditiro Seerane noted:
“SA joined BRICS in 2011, when the body was three years old. So Zuma is trying to claim easy victories as if he's the one who championed the idea.”
Mulavhe Manaha agreed:
“He doesn't know why it was formed. He is lying.”
Mashiyane Gwinyitshe Gadaffy Hlokoloza said:
“Zuma is a genius. He put us Amazulu, on the world map. Siyabonga mSholozi.”
Kgomotso Modise claimed:
“Mxm, Zuma is just corrupt and a greedy politician. Only fools believe that butternut from Nkandla. Zulus worship that criminal.”
New BRICS banknote unveiled
Briefly News reported that a content creator shared a video showing the first official BRICS banknote.
The symbolic currency reflects growing economic cooperation between Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
South Africans expressed disappointment that the country's name was not written in one of the indigenous languages.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
