President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, “extended his warm congratulations and well wishes” to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following his re-election for a historic fourth term.
Lula won 51.8% of the vote, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro (son of former President Jair Bolsonaro) by nearly 4.4 million votes.
Brazil and South Africa maintain a close bilateral and strategic relationship within BRICS, IBSA, the G77+China and the G20.
In March 2026, President Ramaphosa undertook a state visit to Brazil at the invitation of President Lula. He says the visit further enhanced the existing bilateral trade and political relationship.
“On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I congratulate my dear brother and friend, President Lula and the people of Brazil. This victory will echo beyond the shores of Brazil. It is a victory for the Global South and progressive forces throughout the world. We affirm our commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries and working closely together in all multilateral fora to forge a just and better world order underpinned by solidarity and adherence to international law.”
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula says Lula’s victory is a defeat of the “right-wingers” in Brazil.
“To those who declared that the leftist movement influence was waning have been dealt a defeat. Forward to the revolution forward. Viva Lula Viva!”
The South Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has also congratulated Lula.
SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says his victory is a setback for the right-wing forces seeking to consolidate power across Latin America and bring the region closer to the agenda of US President Donald Trump.
“It gives Brazil the opportunity to continue advancing an independent voice for the Global South. This election was not simply a vote for a political personality. It was a struggle over land, livelihood, dignity and the direction of development.”
Following his re-election, President Lula vowed to turn around the country’s fortunes.
“We made history in the streets and at the ballot boxes, with the people as the protagonists of a journey that still has a long way to go. Democracy prevailed, hope grew stronger, and Brazil moves forward. This victory is ours. And we’re going to do so much more together!”
“The Brazil we want to build is a country where our elderly are cared for with dignity, women are respected, and all people have the right to live their faith in freedom. With respect for differences and a State that guarantees rights to all. Because governing is caring for 215 million Brazilians. Without distinction. And respect must be the starting point for us to build, together, a Brazil that is increasingly fair and humane.”
In a victory speech in Sao Paulo, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vowed to govern for all 215 million Brazilians after winning the runoff election against Flavio Bolsonaro to secure a historic fourth term in office https://t.co/7YJTjgnFAX https://t.co/GjusxbOD0y
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 26, 2026
Bolsonaro has reportedly refused to accept the loss and said he would seek to annul the vote.
The Acting Programme Head for the South African Institute of International Affairs, Gustavo de Carvalho, says Lula’s victory is a relief, but broader right-wing elements in Brazil remain strong.
“Lula has won the presidency without reversing the rightward shift in Congress. Negotiations over budgets, appointments and legislation will shape what his victory can deliver. Preventing authoritarian consolidation and securing a reform agenda are different tasks.”
“Lula’s victory is a setback for Trump’s ‘Donroe doctrine’: the effort to consolidate US primacy in the Americas. Brazil remains outside a politically aligned bloc. Washington still has the power to apply pressure, but its preferred regional order is far from inevitable.”
He says the outcome also holds lessons for South Africa: that defending democracy cannot become a defence of the status quo.
“Coalition politics must deliver jobs, services and security. Foreign policy autonomy also needs economic capacity and public legitimacy at home.”
“”My relief is real, but this victory creates an opportunity that still has to be secured. Better lives at home, stronger democratic institutions and lasting international partnerships will determine whether Lula’s fourth mandate leaves more than another electoral reprieve.”
Lula’s victory is deeply personal for me. Above all, I feel relief: Brazil has prevented the far right from returning to the presidency, alongside a strengthened right in Congress. But the result also exposes challenges facing democracies far beyond Brazil. 1/….
— Gustavo de Carvalho (@gb_decarvalho) October 26, 2026
