‘New ordinary’ of ‘winners’: South Africa as part of BRICS

In May of 2019 the ANC will undoubtedly win the general elections in South Africa, but in the run-up to these elections it is evident that the politics of race and identity will take centre stage and act as a cover to do nothing to effectively transform the enormous inequalities that will continue to exist in South Africa. South Africa's BRICS partnership seems now stronger than ever as the 'Rainbow Nation' shares the 'my country first' credo supported by the politics of authoritarian leadership. 

This article appeared in Clingendael Spectator (issue 01- 2019 (73)) and is part of the dossier 'BRICS Revisited'. 

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Author(s) / editor(s)

Jan-Bart Gewald, Harry Wels, Frans Kamsteeg

About the author(s) / editor(s)

Jan-Bart Gewald is a historian specialized in the social history of Africa. He is Professor of African History, Leiden University, and Director of the African Studies Centre Leiden.

Harry Wels is Publications Manager of the African Studies Centre Leiden.

Frans Kamsteeg is Associate Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Posted on 15 February 2019, last modified on 21 March 2019