Brazilian President Urges Cyril Ramaphosa to Boost Defences Over Possible Invasion Risk, SA Debates
- Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva discussed a collaboration between his country and South Africa
- President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook a State visit to Brazil, where the issue of both countries' defence came up
- Social media users shared mixed reactions to the Brazilian President's comments about a possible invasion
- Political analyst, Luchulumanco Mawisa, spoke to Briefly News about the role Brazil and South Africa played in shaping global power dynamics
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
BRASÍLIA – President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has warned President Cyril Ramaphosa that both Brazil and South Africa could be invaded if they do not boost their defences.
Lula, the president of the South American country, called for co-operation between Brazil and South Africa, warning that both countries were vulnerable to foreign invasion.
The Brazilian President made the warning during Ramaphosa’s State Visit to the Federative Republic of Brazil from 9 to 10 March 2026. The visit is aimed at providing an opportunity for the BRICS nations to engage on a broad range of bilateral and multilateral issues.
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President Lula calls for collaboration with South Africa
During the first day of the visit, the Brazilian president weighed in on the defences of both countries, calling for collaboration.
"I don't know if comrade Ramaphosa realises that if we don't prepare ourselves in terms of defence, one day someone will invade us.
"We need to combine our potential and see what we can produce together, build together. We don't need to keep buying from foreign arms suppliers," he said.
His comments come after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, sparking a conflict in the Middle East. Iran has since retaliated, firing missiles and drones at neighbouring countries in the Persian Gulf. Both South Africa and Brazil have been critical of the joint military operation, which was called Operation Epic Fury by the US and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel.
Source: Twitter
President Ramaphosa also shared his sentiments about President Lula’s comments, noting that Brazil was more advanced than South Africa when it came to defence and aviation.
"We have a lot to learn from each other, and we also have a lot to show you as well," he said.
Speaking to Briefly News, political analyst Luchulumanco Mawisa discussed the role Brazil and South Africa played in shaping global power dynamics.
Mawisa stated that for decades, global power had been a closed conversation, with Washington setting the agenda, Brussels writing the rules, and the rest of the world waiting for instructions. He stated that this era was ending.
"South Africa and Brazil are not rising powers nervously seeking Western approval. They are sovereign nations with ancient civilisations, irreplaceable resources and the demographic weight of continents behind them. Through BRICS+, the G20 Presidency and the African Continental Free Trade Area, they are not knocking on the door of the global order. They are part of a world that has dared to build a multipolar world from the Global South up," he said.
He added that it represented a culmination of the emerging economies’ search for a place in the world, saying that what Pretoria and Brasilia represent is something more profound than geopolitical repositioning.
"They represent the return of history, the long-delayed arrival of peoples and nations who were written out of the story of modernity as development, now writing themselves back in on their own terms. The world has new architects. The blueprint looks nothing like what came before. And that is precisely the point," Mawisa added.
South Africans react to Brazilian President’s comments
Social media users weighed in on the Brazilian President’s comments, sharing mixed reactions to them.
Phumlani Tshaka noted:
“South Africa has long faced concerns about foreign invasion. Not long ago, authorities uncovered a group of foreign nationals running a suspected military training camp in the country, which raised serious questions about how they managed to enter and operate without being detected.”
Elekanyani Mauba suggested:
“Yes, he is 100% correct. We need to get rid of the R350 SRD and R500 Child Support grants. Use that money to modernise our military and hire those who were getting R350 and R500 to the military.”
Pappa Wawagp stated:
“These two will be abducted by the Trump administration. The process is going to be seamless.”
Ansu Anesu added:
“If they don't have oil, they must relax.”
Akusita Singini suggested:
“African leaders must unite Africa first before they involve themselves in world matters. A fragmented Africa cannot influence the world.”
Gad Patson Bright Soko stated:
“He is right. The police man is planning the next move after Iran is down.”
David Mzimbovu noted:
“Every country that is on Trump's hate list is vulnerable to his military wrath. Having said that, I don't think that countries should agree to all his demands simply because he has a big army and big money. But I think other countries, unlike Venezuela, will retaliate to his military approach if needed.”
South Africa's military ranked 40th in the world
Briefly News reported that the South African military was ranked as the 40th strongest in the world and the fourth strongest in Africa.
A study conducted by the Global Firepower Index showed that South Africa was behind Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria on the continent.
The report also showed that South Africa had a considerable number of able-bodied people, should conscription be enforced in the country.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
