South Africa Minister Bids Farewell to China Charge d’Affaires Li Zhigang
On March 28, 2025, South Africa’s Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni-Abrahams, hosted a farewell meeting at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria for China’s Charge d’Affaires, Li Zhigang, who concluded his term in South Africa.
The event highlighted the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, reflecting on Li’s contributions to fostering collaboration during his tenure and signaling continued partnership.
The DSBD focuses on promoting and supporting small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives, which are seen as critical drivers of economic growth and job creation in the country.
The department’s mandate includes creating an enabling environment for SMMEs through policy development, funding support, and capacity-building initiatives.
For instance, the DSBD has facilitated programs like the R5 million development fund for Moses Kotane Local Municipality in November 2024, aimed at boosting local entrepreneurship. It also organizes youth-focused initiatives, such as the imbizo programs in Sasolburg, to empower young entrepreneurs and address unemployment.
Li Zhigang, as China’s Charge d’Affaires in South Africa, acted as the senior diplomat representing China in the absence of an ambassador, a role he held until his departure in early April 2025.
The position of Charge d’Affaires involves managing diplomatic relations, facilitating high-level engagements, and advancing bilateral cooperation. During his tenure, Li played a key role in strengthening China-South Africa relations, which have been prioritized since the 2010 Beijing Declaration elevated South Africa to a Strategic Comprehensive Partner.
His work included fostering economic ties, as seen in his involvement in events like the handover of President Xi Jinping’s letter to African scholars in September 2024, which emphasized people-to-people exchanges. Li also engaged with South African officials on trade and cultural initiatives, such as supporting the 2025 Happy Chinese New Year Reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy.
His role extended to ensuring continuity in diplomatic efforts, including collaboration on projects like the BRICS space program, where South Africa’s National Space Agency signed a memorandum with China’s Satellite Network Office in 2021 to advance satellite navigation.
The farewell meeting between Ndabeni-Abrahams and Li Zhigang underscored the mutual commitment to collaboration.
For South Africa, partnerships with China offer opportunities for SMMEs to access new markets and technologies, aligning with the DSBD’s goals. For China, South Africa remains a key African partner, with Li’s tenure reinforcing this strategic relationship.
