Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has commended the People’s Republic of China for its unwavering friendship and significant investment in South Africa over the years. Representing the Gauteng provincial government, Chiloane joined the vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations held at Derrick Avenue in Cyrildene, Johannesburg, where the Chinese community and local residents came together in a grand display of cultural exchange and unity.
The lively event saw large crowds waving both Chinese and South African flags, filling the street with energy and excitement. Among the distinguished guests were Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng; Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang; Gauteng Legislature member Michael Sun; chairperson of the Gauteng Community Policing Forum board, Thokozani Jacob Masilela; and SAPS Cleveland station commander, Colonel Moses Lekalakala. The high-spirited occasion reflected the depth of cultural ties between the two nations.
Marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac cycle, the festival brought together people from all walks of life. The annual Spring Festival, which began on January 29, will span 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on February 12. The event is not just celebrated in China but embraced by Chinese communities worldwide, including in South Africa, where the Chinatown district of Cyrildene stands as a hub of Chinese culture and commerce. The area is well known for its authentic Chinese restaurants, tea shops, supermarkets, and traditional healing centers, adding to its reputation as a cultural melting pot.
The festivities were a sensory delight, featuring dazzling fireworks, a diverse range of Chinese and South African culinary specialties, traditional performances, and speeches from both nations’ representatives. Addressing the gathered crowd, Chiloane praised China’s non-interference approach in South African affairs, emphasizing that the bilateral relationship is rooted in mutual respect and shared development goals. He noted that China’s commitment to investment in South Africa has been without conditions or attempts to dictate local policies, fostering a spirit of true partnership.
His remarks also touched on recent political tensions between South Africa and the United States, particularly in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements about alleged mistreatment of Afrikaners. Trump’s executive order offering resettlement to Afrikaners facing land expropriation in South Africa was met with rejection from many within the Afrikaner community. Chiloane contrasted this with China’s approach, highlighting the strong foundation of trust and collaboration between the two nations.
Ambassador Wu Peng, in his keynote address, expressed deep gratitude to South Africa for its hospitality toward the Chinese community, many of whom have lived and worked in the country for decades. He praised South Africa’s multicultural ethos, calling it a shining example of peaceful coexistence and mutual support. Acknowledging the nation’s history, Wu emphasized the need for the global community to support South Africa in overcoming the lingering effects of apartheid and moving toward inclusive economic development.
He further encouraged Chinese businesses and individuals in South Africa to continue contributing to local communities, strengthening the relationship between the two nations through social responsibility initiatives. Echoing these sentiments, Michael Sun, a member of the Democratic Alliance and spokesperson for community safety in Gauteng, extended his well wishes to attendees, hoping for prosperity and well-being in the Year of the Snake.
The economic partnership between South Africa and China has flourished, with China maintaining its position as Africa’s top trading partner for over 15 years. In 2023, bilateral trade reached an impressive $55.6 billion, with South African exports of beef, citrus, red wine, oysters, and rooibos tea gaining popularity in China. Chinese investments in South Africa have exceeded $25 billion, a remarkable increase since diplomatic ties were first established. These investments have created over 400,000 local jobs, highlighting the tangible benefits of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The Chinese New Year celebrations in Johannesburg not only showcased the rich traditions of the Chinese community but also reaffirmed the strength of South Africa’s international partnerships. As the festivities continue worldwide, the event served as a reminder of the deepening cultural and economic ties that bind China and South Africa in a relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
