At the IBSA Summit in Brazil in 2010, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva invited former President Jacob Zuma to attend the 2nd BRIC Summit as an observer, which was held back-to-back with the IBSA Summit
The former South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, received a telephone call on 23 December 2010 from the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Yang Jiechi informing her that China, in its capacity as the rotating Chair of the grouping, based on an agreement reached between the Member States, was inviting South Africa to join as a full member of BRIC, thereafter known as BRICS. Former President Zuma attended the Third BRICS Summit held in Sanya, China, in April 2011.
South Africa’s invitation to join BRICS recognises the country’s contribution to shaping the socio-economic regeneration of Africa, as well as the country’s active involvement in peace, security and reconstruction efforts on the continent.