‘My good friend and brother’ — Ramaphosa’s message that’s got people talking

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended warm birthday wishes to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who turned 80, praising his global leadership and commitment to advancing cooperation among developing nations.

In a message shared on social media, President Ramaphosa referred to Lula as his “good friend and brother,” highlighting their shared vision of unity and progress within the Global South. “Warmest wishes to my good friend and brother President Lula on the occasion of your 80th birthday. We celebrate your remarkable leadership in strengthening South-South cooperation, and we appreciate your tireless efforts to promote solidarity, cooperation, and mutual understanding among our nations,” Ramaphosa said.

The two leaders have maintained a strong relationship through platforms such as BRICS, where both have been vocal advocates for a more balanced global economic order and the empowerment of emerging economies. Lula, known for his social reforms and efforts to reduce inequality in Brazil, has been widely respected across Africa for his stance on fair trade, environmental protection, and international cooperation.

Ramaphosa’s message comes at a time when BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — are expanding their global influence, with renewed calls for reform of global financial institutions and fairer trade practices.The South African leader’s public show of solidarity underscores the enduring bond between Pretoria and Brasília, grounded in shared values of social justice and economic inclusion.

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