The Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg hosted a formal reception on Monday evening to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The event drew about 300 guests, including government officials, business leaders, members of academia, civil society, consular corps, and the Chinese community in South Africa.
In his opening remarks, Consul General Pan Qingjiang invoked the close ties between China and South Africa, describing the relationship as one of “comrades plus brothers.” He highlighted that the all-round strategic cooperative partnership has yielded tangible results in recent years.
Against a backdrop of global uncertainty marked by rising protectionism, Pan reaffirmed China’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, peace, and global development. He emphasized that local and people-to-people exchanges are vital to strengthening relations, noting the Consulate’s efforts to deepen connections in Gauteng and Free State provinces.
From the South African side, Ntombizanele Sifuba, Free State MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, praised China’s development achievements, particularly its success in poverty reduction and affirmed her province’s desire to translate good relations into concrete collaboration, especially in agriculture and trade.
Similarly, Matome Chiloane, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, underscored Gauteng’s economic importance and its flourishing ties with China in sectors like mining, manufacturing, and telecommunications. He pledged to leverage the sister-province connection with Hunan Province to deepen cooperation.
The reception was an occasion for celebration and reaffirmation. As attendees mingled, performances and cultural displays complemented speeches, symbolizing the vibrant and evolving relationship between China and South Africa.
