WATCH | World leaders descend on SA shores for 15th BRICS Summit

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa will use the 15th BRICS Summit, to strengthen cooperation and advance trade opportunities with the block’s members and invited countries.

The country is lending its support to the expansion of BRICS membership - with numerous countries showing an interest in joining the emerging powerful block.

Some 46 Heads of State and the Secretary-General of the United Nations have confirmed their attendance at the Summit in Sandton.

At the same time, police, security and law enforcement authorities say they're prepared for Tuesday's launch.

Thousands of personnel are deployed to Sandton, Johannesburg, Pretoria and key strategic areas that have links to the BRICS Summit.