---
title: "South Africa joined in 2010 — Definition & Meaning"
description: "South Africa's 2010 accession to BRICS made it the first African member, enhancing the bloc's global influence. Discover its significance in diplomacy."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/south-africa-joined-in-2010"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- South Africa's 2010 accession to the BRIC grouping transformed it into BRICS, adding the bloc's first African member at China's invitation.
- When and how did South Africa join the BRIC grouping?
- Why did China champion South Africa's entry despite its smaller economy?
- What institutions has South Africa helped build within BRICS?
- How does the 2024 BRICS expansion relate to South Africa's role?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 16 June 2009

   The original BRIC acronym was coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill in his 2001 paper "Building Better Global Economic BRICs," and the four states fi…

2. 24 December 2010

   On , China—then holding the rotating chair—formally invited South Africa to join, and President Jacob Zuma attended the Third BRICS Summit at Sanya, Hainan,…

3. 14 April 2011

   On 24 December 2010, China—then holding the rotating chair—formally invited South Africa to join, and President Jacob Zuma attended the Third BRICS Summit at…

4. 1 January 2024

   From , new members—including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates—joined the enlarged grouping (often styled BRICS+), with Saudi Arabia and oth…

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Example

On 24 December 2010 China, as rotating chair, invited South Africa to join BRIC, and President Jacob Zuma attended the Sanya Summit in April 2011 as the bloc's first African member.

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