‘Tried and Tested’: Why South Africa Wants to Learn From India’s Rural Development

India’s rural economic development and food security models have delivered visible results and are worth replicating in South Africa, according to Zandile Nozinhle Denga, an executive associated with the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) in South Africa.

Denga said the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance had observed significant progress in India, particularly in the implementation of models focused on rural economic development and food security. She said India’s experience had demonstrated how such initiatives could strengthen communities and build resilience.

“We have seen significant and progressive change in terms of implementation especially with the rural economic development and the food security business models that we admire and would like to replicate in South Africa,” Denga told ANI.

Why does South Africa want to replicate India’s rural development and food security models?

Denga said India’s approach to rural economic development had produced visible results, particularly in strengthening the resilience of rural communities.

She described the Indian model as a “tried and tested” approach, suggesting that its implementation and outcomes could offer valuable lessons for South Africa.

“They've specifically built the resilience, especially like I was saying in the rural communities. This is where you see it's a tried and tested model,” she said.

According to Denga, the progress made through India’s rural development and food security initiatives makes the country’s experience relevant for other nations looking to strengthen local economies and improve resilience at the community level.

What did the BRICS WBA executive say about India’s food security model?

Denga specifically highlighted India’s experience in food security while pointing to the country’s broader economic development.

“We have seen how India has developed the economy. I'll speak specifically to food security,” she said.

Her remarks underline the growing interest among BRICS countries in sharing development experiences and exploring models that can be adapted to different national conditions.

Food security and rural economic resilience remain important areas of cooperation as developing economies seek sustainable ways to support communities, strengthen local economies and reduce vulnerabilities.

How has India’s rural development approach built community resilience?

Denga said one of the most significant outcomes of India’s approach had been the strengthening of resilience in rural communities.

She said the visible results of these initiatives showed the value of implementing development models that address economic growth and food security at the local level.

India’s experience, she said, offered an example of how rural communities could be supported through focused economic and food security initiatives.

What role can BRICS play in the changing global economic order?

Denga also backed the growing role of BRICS in an evolving global political and economic landscape, saying the world was moving towards a multipolar system.

“I think with the situation, the global politics, we're moving into a multi-polar system which is needed. It has been needed,” she said.

She said BRICS could play an important role in creating alternative markets, payment systems and economic channels, reducing dependence on a single global system.

“So, I totally concur what BRICS is bringing in, the alternative markets, alternative payment systems, alternative ways so that we are not reliant as the whole global system,” Denga said.

What is the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance?

The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance is a platform that promotes greater economic cooperation and business engagement among women entrepreneurs and business leaders across BRICS countries.

The alliance encourages collaboration and participation across sectors while contributing to broader discussions on trade, investment, entrepreneurship and economic development within the BRICS framework.

Denga’s remarks come as business leaders and policymakers gather in New Delhi for the BRICS Business Forum and Summit discussions, where economic cooperation, trade, investment and sustainable development are among the key areas of focus.

She also thanked India for its BRICS presidency and hospitality, ahead of the chairship being handed over to China.

(With inputs from ANI)