President Cyril Ramaphosa plans to use his G20 presidency to facilitate talks and form stronger bilateral ties with the US after American president-elect Donald Trump threatened Brics+ countries.
Trump on Saturday took jabs at the Brics bloc, saying initiatives to move away from trading in the dollar would sour relations with the US.
South Africa, Russia and China are part of the Brics bloc.
“The idea that the Brics countries are trying to move away from the dollar while we stand by and watch is over. We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new Brics currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar, or they will face 100% tariffs and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US economy. They can go find another ‘sucker’. There is no chance that the Brics will replace the US dollar in international trade, and any country that tries should wave goodbye to America,” Trump said on X.
Department of international relations and co-operation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said Trump’s remarks reflected a lack of understanding of the Brics trade talks.
“Incorrect reporting led to this false narrative running wild. Brics is not planning to create a new currency. The discussion centres about trading among Brics members using own currencies,” he said.