Phillip de Wet: How North Korea Became South Africa’s Ally Through Russia’s Influence on BRICS

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un (center) and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. (Vladimir Smirnov/Pool/AFP)

Russia has reshaped the future trajectory of BRICS with a pivotal agreement signed in Pyongyang. However, the inclusion of new members like Malaysia will not alter the core dynamics for South Africa, writes Phillip de Wet.

Formally, South Africa and North Korea have upheld diplomatic ties for twenty-five years. Yet, this relationship has been largely superficial, marked by symbolic gestures rather than substantive engagement.

That status quo shifted dramatically last week when Russian President Vladimir Putin effectively intertwined the fates of South Africa and North Korea, transforming these nations into de facto allies through a strategic maneuver in Pyongyang.