Cape Town— Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts and Culture, Matome Chiloane, praised China for its friendship and support of South Africa over the years.
Chiloane represented Gauteng as the China Town Johannesburg Community hosted a Chinese New Year ceremony to mark the beginning of the 2025 Lunar calendar.
Among the attendees included the Ambassador of China to South Africa, Wu Peng, the Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang, and the Gauteng chairperson of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Thokozani Jacob Masilela, IOL reported.
The 2025 Chinese year is the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. The festivities will continue for 15 days, which will culminate in the Yuan Xiao Jie (Lantern Festival) on 12 February.
China Town in Derrick Avenue is a popular attraction for all types of Chinese shops including restaurants, supermarkets, tea shops and electronic stores.
Speaking to the crowd at the event, Chiloane addressed South Africa’s relationship with China and said its help did not interfere with any local issues in South Africa. He said China has respected South Africa’s sovereignty.
Joined the Chinese community of Johannesburg to celebrate their new year, together with Ambassador Wu Peng and Consulate General of Johannesburg Mr Pan pic.twitter.com/GqHq3yf5z1
— Matome Chiloane (@matomekopano) February 9, 2025
“It doesn’t wake up one morning and say people are being treated badly. Where? Where?” he said.
Chiloane was referring to the ongoing tensions between South Africa and the USA amid comments made by President Donald Trump that he would be freezing all aid to South Africa over the alleged racial discrimination towards the Afrikaner population.
“They have made a U-turn and say we do not want to go and be refugees in America but it is said we are treating them badly. Chinese leadership, we appreciate that. Our bond is lifelong. We are carrying on, and we build on primary interests. It is a relationship based on the true, genuine brotherhood of both nations,” said Chiloane.
In his address, the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, expressed gratitude to the South African government for living in harmony with Chinese citizens who are now living in South Africa.
“Thank you for accepting us, supporting us, assisting and welcoming our Chinese community working and living in this lovely country,” Peng said.
Happy Chinese New Year! SA the rainbow＃ nation exemplifies inclusiveness and harmonious coexistence of all ethnicities. Thank SA for supporting the Chinese community! I call on the latter to contribute to SA development &prosperity! pic.twitter.com/fOSgXx2H1m
— 吴鹏 Wu Peng (@AmbWuPeng) February 8, 2025
“That is why South Africa is called the rainbow nation. All nations and tribes are very peaceful and co-exist together. You, as South Africa set a great example to the world.”
Peng praised South Africa for overcoming its painful past and how it is now trying to address injustices. He said Chinese people in South Africa are encouraged to give back to South African communities.
China has been South Africa’s top trading partner for more than 15 years, with trade volume between the countries reaching a high of $52.2 billion in 2024. South African exports to China include beef, citrus, red wine, oysters and rooibos tea.
Chinese enterprises have invested more than $25 billion in South Africa, leading to the creation of more than 400 000 local jobs.
In 2024, China-#SA trade reached 52.5 billion USD, accounting for 18% of the total of China-Africa trade. SA’s trade surplus to China stood at 8.83 billion USD. pic.twitter.com/e3T16oNocJ
— 吴鹏 Wu Peng (@AmbWuPeng) February 10, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
