Abstract. The article examines the practical aspects of the Republic of South Africa’s (RSA’s) participation of in the work of BRICS as one of the key formats of modern network diplomacy. The study is based on data on the economic aspects of South Africa’s participation in BRICS. Pretoria’s political steps are also analyzed, with a focus on initiatives put forward during South Africa’s presidency in BRICS. It is concluded that RSA’s interest in BRICS is primarily driven by the desire to increase its prestige as a regional power. This priority is unlikely to lose its importance in the context of the expansion of BRICS following the 2023 summit in Johannesburg. The author suggests that the forthcoming expansion of BRICS, with the inclusion of Ethiopia and Egypt, takes into account South Africa’s interests and does not threaten its status as the key representative of this organization in Africa.