About Us

About BRICS+

BRICS is an acronym that represents an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group was originally known as “BRIC,” formed in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill to denote the emerging economic powerhouses of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined the association in 2010, leading to the group’s reconfiguration as BRICS.

These countries, while diverse in terms of geography, culture, and political systems, share common goals of promoting economic development, cooperation, and influence on global issues. BRICS serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among member nations on various fronts, including economics, politics, finance, culture, and security.

The primary objectives of BRICS include:

Economic Cooperation: Enhancing trade and investment among member nations, exploring avenues for economic collaboration, and promoting economic growth.
Political Cooperation: Engaging in discussions on global political issues, aiming to amplify the collective voice of emerging economies on international platforms.
Cultural Exchange: Encouraging mutual understanding and cultural exchange among member countries to strengthen people-to-people connections.
Development Projects: Collaborating on development projects, infrastructure, and sustainable initiatives within and outside member nations.

The BRICS nations convene annually for summits where leaders discuss and strategize on various issues, including economic policies, global governance, and international affairs. These summits often result in joint declarations and agreements aimed at fostering cooperation and addressing common challenges faced by member countries.

The group’s significance lies in its potential to reshape global economic dynamics and provide an alternative perspective on global governance, offering a counterbalance to traditional western-centric economic and political structures.

Over time, the scope of BRICS cooperation has expanded, with discussions on financial cooperation, technology, health, and sustainable development becoming increasingly prominent within the group.

In a notable development, BRICS is set to expand in 2024, incorporating six additional countries—Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This expansion, known as BRICS+, marks a crucial step in broadening the bloc’s representation and influence. The inclusion of these nations is expected to contribute to a more comprehensive approach to economic cooperation, political dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaborative development projects within the enlarged BRICS+ framework. As the group evolves, its expanded membership will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the global economic and political landscape, reflecting a more diverse and inclusive vision for international cooperation.

About SABYA

South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2018 and registered with the Department of Social Development in South Africa (205-671 NPO), with the vision to be the leading voice of Youth within BRICS+ and Advocate for their rights and interests in the decision making processes. Its mission is to provide youth with the opportunity to meaningfully participate in BRICS+ relations from a Global South perspective and strengthen linkages, institutional cooperation and people-to- people exchanges within the BRICS+ and multilateral platforms.

SABYA aims to enhance understanding and cooperation among young people from South Africa, Global South and other BRICS+ countries through various initiatives, including conferences, seminars, workshops, skills programmes, and cultural exchanges. The organization strives to create a platform where young people can network, share ideas, and work together on projects that contribute to the development and prosperity of their respective nations. SABYA plays a significant role in advocating for youth empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development. It seeks to empower young people to actively participate in decision-making processes that shape policies and programmes within the BRICS+ framework. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, SABYA seeks to leverage the collective potential of BRICS+ youth to address global challenges and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SABYA’s notable achievements include successfully launching and hosting events such as the World Youth Summit 2019, where two deputy ministers participated. Additionally, the organization hosted the BRICS Summer School South Africa in 2022 and 2023, with the participation of ministers and deputy ministers, the BRICS Youth Innovation Summit, and the Africa-BRICS Youth Forum. Due to its excellent work in the BRICS youth framework, SABYA was nominated to be the co-secretariat of the Civil BRICS South African Chapter.

SABYA works closely with the government, particularly the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities. The organization has the support of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. In recognition of its impactful work, SABYA was granted Public Benefit Organization status (930078532) by the South African Revenue Service in June 2023, emphasizing SABYA’s vision and mission for the public good.

Through its activities, SABYA also aims to promote cultural diversity, mutual understanding, and friendship among young people in South Africa, the Global South and the BRICS+ countries. It seeks to build bridges of cooperation and foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among the youth of these nations. SABYA is dedicated to empowering youth, fostering cooperation, and building a network of young experts to actively contribute to the BRICS+ agenda and global affairs. SABYA also engages with policymakers and other stakeholders to advocate for policies and programs that support youth development, international relations and cooperation. SABYA plays an important role in empowering young people in South Africa and other BRICS+ countries to become active participants in shaping their future and contributing to sustainable development.

Our Objectives

To create a platform for South African and global south youth to participate in BRICS+ to influence policy agenda. To empower South African youth to become active agents of change within BRICS+, the global South, and other multilateral platforms such as UN, G20, AU. To facilitate and host programmes that support BRICS+ initiatives and create opportunities for youth empowerment.

Our Vision

To be the leading voice of Youth within BRICS+ and Advocate for their rights and interests in the decision making processes.

Our Mission

To provide youth with the opportunity to meaningfully participate in BRICS+ relations from a Global South perspective to strengthen linkages, institutional cooperation and people-to- people exchanges within the BRICS+ and multilateral platforms.

SABYA Team

We are the passionate individuals behind South African Youth in BRICS+ Affairs (SABYA). Our team is dedicated to creating a platform that empowers South African youth and enables them to participate in BRICS+ initiatives and influence policy agendas.

RAYMOND MATLALA

Founder and Executive Chairman

Raymond is a seasoned strategic leader with over a decade of experience across diverse sectors such as education, civil society, and youth development. Raymond is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration. Raymond's involvement in various organizations and diverse teams reflects his commitment to social change, social cohesion, and building meaningful relationships. He has actively contributed to international youth forums, holding positions such as Technical Advisor and Country Representative for SADC Youth Council, Chairperson/Country Head for BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Young Leaders, and Regional Director for World Youth Summit Organisation. His passion for education and youth development led to the founding of the South African BRICS Youth Association in 2017, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering youth leadership.His extensive international participation includes representing South Africa in over 50 international forums. This highlight his dedication to fostering international cooperation, diplomacy, and shaping strategies for youth engagement within the BRICS+ countries. Raymond's journey is characterized by a remarkable balance of local impact and global influence, earning him recognition as a leader and contributor on the world stage, has garnered prestigious awards that underscore his outstanding contributions to academia, entrepreneurship, and civil society. Notable among these accolades are the National Research Foundation Doctoral Scare Skills scholarship, recognizing his commitment to advancing knowledge in business administration, and his recognition as Enactus South Africa National Senior Alumni of the Year in 2019, showcasing his leadership impact within the organization. Raymond's global influence is further exemplified by his nomination as Enactus Global Alumni of the Year, inclusion in the Top 100 BRICS Entrepreneurs in 2022, and recognition as one of the Top 100 South African Shining Stars in Civil Society, affirming his stature as a leader with a profound impact on both local and international fronts.

Ms Margret Molefe

Deputy Executive

SHIVAM PATEL

Director of Membership And IT

Dr Letjedi Thabang Mabinane

Director For Research And Policy Development

Nikhil Sewdass

Director in the office of the Executive Chairman

Nthabeleng Senooane

Director of Operations

Lethiwe Maritz

Director of Projects

Bophelo Tsholo

Director of Marketing and Communications

Bophelo Tsholo is a Brand and Communications Strategist whose experience in the Branding, Communications, and Marketing industries has shaped her professional prowess as a Brand, Communications, and Marketing Specialist.Bophelo Tsholo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies and Anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand; an Honours Degree in Strategic Brand and Communications from Vega School of Brand Leadership; as well as a Certificate in Strategic Business Management from The University of Cape Town.Upon completion of her Bachelor’s Degree, Bophelo travelled abroad and spent a year working in a cultural exchange program in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Throughout her career, Bophelo has worked within the Financial, Insurance, Entertainment, Fibre, and Inter-Government industries, and thus honed her expertise in Communications Development and Management; Brand Building and Management; Event and Activation Planning, Implementation, and Management; Marketing Management; Project Management; and Strategy Development.As an advocate for Women and Youth Development, Bophelo has immersed herself in organisations that propel the rights and empowerment of women and youth. In 2022 she formed part of the Brightest Young Minds Cohort, in partnership with the World Food Programme Southern Africa. She has also volunteered at numerous Nonprofit organisations, and was selected to sit on the panel of judges for the 2022 Miss Umoja Pageant hosted by the Daily Bread Organisation. She recently joined EduKasi as a mentor to youth scholars and students in the Gauteng Province.Bophelo Tsholo currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA), overseeing all Brand and Communications activities for the organisation. She also works for the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) as a Communications Consultant for their Global Office in New York. AWLN is an organization in partnership with the United Nations, UN Women, and the African Union, dedicated to galvanizing African women leadership at all levels through building on and working with existing women networks across Africa and its diaspora.In addition, Bophelo Tsholo has consulted for various organisations, such as the African Union, where she provided communications support for the 2023 Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Forum convened by the African Union Special Envoy on Women Peace and Security (WPS), under the leadership of the President of Ethiopia, held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Bophelo is the Founder of Women with Support, an NPO that is dedicated to contributing towards social development. The passion and love for such initiatives stem from growing up in a small town in the Eastern Cape, and attending boarding school at St John’s D.S.G. in Pietermaritzburg. Throughout her life, Bophelo has remained steadfast in her commitment to contributing to creating positive and sustainable change in communities and society.