2023 Was the year of South Africa’s chairmanship for BRICS. The Rainbow nation, known for its multi-cultural landscape, hosted the 13th BRICS Summit in August. It was also the year South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended invitations to over 40 heads of state as BRICS leaders looked to the Global South to expand its reach.
Amid the declarations and high-level promises of social cohesion and economic development, leaders also let their hair down for the more informal gatherings.
Here are some BRICS behind-the-scenes featuring world leaders:
WATCH: Chinese President Xi Jinping meets South African scholars studying Chinese culture
@athigeleba ♬ original sound – Athi Geleba ????????
@athigeleba ♬ original sound – Athi Geleba ????????
@athigeleba ♬ original sound – Athi Geleba ????????
ALSO READ: BRICS 2023: Here are some of the major highlights from the emerging nations bloc
Ramaphosa appeared lost in translation as his counterpart conversed with scholars. But even if he didn’t understand what was said, Ramaphosa beamed with pride as he watched the interaction.
WATCH: Scenes from the BRICS Bankquet and Culture showcase
When hosting a function, South Africa pulls out all the stops. From the music to artistic displays and food served, no expense or extravagance is spared. We are certain heads of state got a taste for the country’s more refined ‘jol’ culture.
@athigeleba #BRICS Banquet & Culture Showcase #BRICSSummit2023 ♬ original sound – Athi Geleba ????????
@athigeleba #BRICS Reception Banquet and South Africa Cultural Showcase ????Gallagher Convention Centre #BRICSSummit2023 ♬ original sound – Athi Geleba ????????
WATCH: BRICS Leaders retreat
At some point in the three-day summit, BRICS leaders were whisked away for a private retreat in Summer Park near Sandton. While media were not invited, Ramaphosa’s digital communications team captured the arrival of leaders at the upmarket venue.
@athigeleba ????????????????????????????????????????
♬ original sound – Athi Geleba ????????
WATCH: Ramaphosa turns on the charm as he meets BRICS Bank leader Dilma Rousseff
@athigeleba Her Excellency Dilma Rouseff, President of the New Development Bank and former President of Brazil, attending the BRICS Leaders arriving for the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS+ Dialogue ???? Sandton Convention Centre #BRICSSummit2023 ♬ Ndiyakholwa – Mandisi Dyantyis
WATCH: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with local Indian community
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to South Africa was a treat. South Africa is home to a large Indian population, many of whom made their way to Sandton to catch a glimpse or, if lucky enough, interact with the Prime Minister. Crowds dressed in Indian attire and brought out the traditional drums to welcome the leader.
@eagle.naran Sawubona #modiji #india #southafrica #BRICS23 ##bricssummit ♬ Vande Mataram – A.R. Rahman
@paritoshji PM MODI VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA.
♬ original sound – user6023512851665ARVIND SINGH
