China will mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on 1 October. In nearly eight decades, it has transformed itself into a global power, lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty, pioneering science and technology and making positive contributions to the development of the world. Its achievements have not been limited to domestic soil - China has shared its knowledge, skills, technology and even human capital with the global South, helping partner countries find their own development paths.
This spirit of shared growth and mutual cooperation is at the heart of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa, a relationship that has steadily deepened over three decades of diplomatic relations. This year, three recent milestones - the celebration of a prestigious literary prize, the PRC Foundation Day reception in Pretoria, and the 9th China-South Africa Investment and Trade Conference - highlighted the depth, dynamism and promise of this partnership.
Celebration of knowledge and culture
On 25 September, acclaimed Sinologist Prof Paul Zungisele Tembe was honoured with the 18th China Special Literary Award at the Leaders Gallery in Freedom Park, Pretoria. This award, one of the most prestigious, is given to foreign experts who contribute to China's international literary and cultural presentation, and was personally confirmed by Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng.
Prof Tembem's award is particularly symbolic as it coincided with South Africa's Heritage Month - a time when the country commemorates its history and honours those who have made significant contributions to its identity. His decades of work to deepen South African-Chinese understanding demonstrate the importance of people-to-people exchanges, which remain one of the five main pillars of President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative:
The five basic principles of GGI
- Sovereign equality - No state is too small to be insignificant, and none is too powerful to dominate. Sovereignty, dignity and freedom of choice are non-negotiable.
- Rule of law - Global governance requires consistency. GGI criticizes the double standard where powerful states apply international law selectively while imposing unilateral sanctions or interventions.
- Multilateralism - True multilateralism is not a bloc policy, but extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit. The UN must be strengthened, not bypassed, as a legitimate platform for international dialogue.
- Human-centred development - Governance must serve the people. From tackling climate change to reducing inequality, people's well-being - not abstract geopolitics - must be the main compass.
- Delivering real results - Si emphasizes practicality. Governance is not about declarations, but about solving problems - be it climate change, the digital divide, financial instability or artificial intelligence.
The book prize highlighted that academic and cultural bridges form the basis for stronger political and economic relations.
China National Day - joint celebration
On 25 September, Ambassador Wu Peng hosted a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event, now a familiar tradition for many South Africans, showcased the strong friendship and exchanges between the two nations.
Ambassador Wu stressed that China's progress is not only a domestic achievement but also a shared global good. South Africa, as a comprehensive strategic partner and member of BRICS, is one of the main beneficiaries of this spirit of solidarity. He reminded participants that bilateral relations are now yielding concrete results in areas such as industrialisation, export diversification and job creation.
9th China-South Africa Trade and Investment Conference
Just a few days earlier, on 23 September, the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand hosted the ninth consecutive China-South Africa Trade and Investment Conference. The event attracted tens of thousands of visitors and became tangible evidence of South Africa's economic pivot towards BRICS partners, particularly China.
South Africa's trade with China has not only cemented China as the country's largest trading partner, but has also created more than 400 000 local jobs. The fair highlighted South Africa's growing access to the huge Chinese consumer market, including agreements to export pecans, macadamia nuts and avocados, which now enrich the Chinese diet.
China's offer of duty-free access for many African exports, as opposed to tariffs imposed by the United States, signals a fundamental realignment of global trade relations. South African business organizations, once skeptical of engaging with China, are increasingly signing agreements and partnerships, recognizing the concrete opportunities offered by the world's second largest economy.
A notable outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the South African-Chinese Economic and Trade Association (SACETA) and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA). SACETA Chairman Zhang Chaoyang highlighted that the 230 Chinese member companies associated with the association have committed to localisation, policy alignment and expanded use of the RMB (Renminbi), which will reduce costs and stabilise transactions.
The South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), represented by Lester Bouha, painted a realistic but optimistic picture: despite the challenges, South Africa is "turning the wheel" and preparing for a new period of economic growth.
Challenges and opportunities for the future
Although the development of relations is positive, recurring problems such as visa barriers still hinder people's mobility. Visa facilitation or even a pioneering free movement framework within the BRICS could unlock unprecedented opportunities in tourism, academic exchange and business.
Moreover, as South Africa profiles itself as one of Africa's most diversified economies, its attractiveness lies not only in its domestic market but also in its role as a gateway to the entire continent. The growing alignment with China and other BRICS partners shows that South Africa's economic destiny is linked to Africa's collective rise.
The deepening Sino-South African relationship, celebrated through culture, diplomacy and trade, reflects a broader turn towards mutual development, respect and shared prosperity. From the academic recognition by Prof. Tembu to the symbolism of the PRC Foundation Day reception to the practical outcomes of the investment conference, the comprehensive strategic partnership is proving to be a powerful framework.
As South Africa "turns the rudder", Chinese support and partnership, based on the principles of development, peace, cultural exchange, sustainability and equitable governance, will remain the cornerstone of its economic recovery and future growth.
Kirtan Bhana
Thediplomaticsociety/gnews.cz - GH
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