Farai Mabeza
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has described Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s latest presidential election victory as a triumph extending beyond Brazil, calling it a “victory for the Global South and progressive forces throughout the world.”
In a congratulatory message posted on X, Ramaphosa said South Africa stood with Brazil and Lula, whom he described as his “dear brother and friend”.
“On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa I congratulate my dear brother and friend, President Lula Da Silva and the people of Brazil,” Ramaphosa said.
“This victory will echo beyond the shores of Brazil. It is a victory for the global south and progressive forces throughout the world.”
Ramaphosa said South Africa would continue working with Brazil to deepen relations between the two countries and advance shared positions internationally.
“We affirm our commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries and working closely together in all multilateral fora to forge a just and better world order underpinned by solidarity and adherence to international law,” he said.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley also congratulated Lula, describing his victory as historic and highlighting the renewed confidence placed in him by Brazilian voters.
In her message on X, Mottley said the two countries shared a fundamental belief that politics should deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“We share a simple but profound conviction. Politics must improve people’s lives, uphold their dignity and bring hope to those too often left behind,” she said.
Mottley said social justice remained central to that vision and expressed her desire to strengthen the friendship between Barbados and Brazil while working towards “a fairer, more inclusive and peaceful world.”
She concluded by addressing Lula personally: “May God continue to guide and strengthen you, dear brother. There is much work ahead, and much good still to be done.”
