China and Gauteng Strengthen Ties Through Trade and Community Development
By Thembi Moyo
JOHANNESBURG, October 9, 2026 – China and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, education, technology, community safety and cultural exchanges during a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Held at The Leonardo in Johannesburg, the celebration brought together government representatives, diplomats, business leaders, academics, media practitioners and members of the Chinese community to reflect on China’s development and its longstanding relationship with South Africa.Gauteng Provincial Legislature Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe congratulated China on its achievements, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate the country’s transformation and strengthen relations between the two nations.
She said China’s journey since October 1, 1949, demonstrated how vision, perseverance and unity could contribute to national development.Mosupyoe highlighted China’s progress in economic growth, poverty reduction, science, technology and infrastructure, while emphasising the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
She reaffirmed the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s commitment to working with China to promote development and empower communities in both countries.The Chinese Consul-General in Johannesburg also highlighted the growing relationship between the two countries, noting that China had remained South Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years.According to the Consul-General, bilateral trade had exceeded US$53.5 billion, while Chinese direct investment in South Africa had surpassed US$11.7 billion. Nearly 300 Chinese enterprises have established businesses in South Africa, contributing to local industries and employment.
He also highlighted China’s implementation of zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including South Africa, from May 1, 2026. The policy is expected to create opportunities for eligible African products to enter the Chinese market.Representing the Gauteng provincial government, Environment MEC Ewan Botha outlined the province’s longstanding partnerships with Chinese provinces and cities, including Hunan, Shandong, Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai.
He said Gauteng’s cooperation with China had developed over several decades, covering economic development, education, urban planning, skills training and community development.Botha highlighted a recent Gauteng delegation visit to Hunan Province from September 20 to 24, 2026, where officials visited police training institutions, community police stations and the Changsha Traffic Management Command Centre.
He said police training and community safety were immediate areas for further cooperation, with proposals to establish a joint working group, hold regular meetings and develop an implementation plan.Botha stressed that partnerships should deliver practical benefits rather than remain formal agreements, including safer communities, skills development, employment and trade opportunities.
He also drew comparisons between the African philosophy of Ubuntu and Chinese values associated with Confucianism, saying both emphasised human dignity, mutual care and collective well-being.The Consul-General highlighted the importance of people-to-people relations, particularly through education, youth development and cultural exchanges. He noted that 2026 had been designated the Year of China-Africa People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.Learners from local schools also attended the reception, where cultural performances formed part of the celebrations.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening relations between China and South Africa, with speakers emphasising the importance of translating diplomatic partnerships into opportunities that improve the lives of ordinary people.
