South Africans Inspired by China’s Vision for Shared Growth
By Thembi Moyo
Leaders from government, business, and civil society say they are inspired by China’s commitment to building deeper partnerships and creating shared opportunities for developing nations. This came during the “China’s Development, Global Opportunities” seminar held at the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg on 6 November 2025.
The gathering brought together a mix of political and business leaders, including Johannesburg Speaker Margaret Arnold, Member of Parliament Tshilidzi Munyai, Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga, Head of the Department of Economic Development Motlatjo Moholwa, CEO of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bernadette Zeiler, and Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature Ms Morakane Mosupyoe.
Hosted by Chinese Consul General Mr. Pan Qingjiang, the seminar aimed to highlight the progress made under China’s leadership and explore how South Africa can benefit from the country’s next stage of development as it implements its 15th Five-Year Plan.
In his remarks, Mr. Pan spoke about China’s remarkable achievements in innovation, technology, and green growth. He said China’s economy has maintained strong momentum and continues to contribute nearly 30 percent of global economic growth. He added that as the country moves toward its next phase of modernization, there will be even more space for global cooperation and investment.
“China remains committed to opening its doors wider,” he said. “We want our development to create more opportunities for others, especially for our partners in Africa.”
Mr. Pan also emphasized that China’s relationship with South Africa has evolved into one of the strongest and most strategic partnerships on the continent. Over 200 Chinese companies have invested more than 11 billion US dollars in South Africa, creating hundreds of thousands of local jobs and helping boost industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Local leaders welcomed these developments, calling for greater collaboration that benefits ordinary South Africans. Speaker Margaret Arnold said the engagement demonstrated how international partnerships could be used to improve communities at home. “We want to see these global relationships translate into local impact jobs, skills, and sustainable development,” she said.
Business leader Bernadette Zeiler said South African entrepreneurs were ready to explore the new trade opportunities being offered through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and BRICS. “What we’ve seen is that China is not just talking about cooperation it’s creating real space for businesses to grow,” she said. Political figures including Tshilidzi Munyai and Solly Msimanga noted that South Africa’s active participation in global platforms is key to ensuring that developing nations have a stronger voice in shaping the global economy. Mr. Pan echoed that sentiment, saying that China and South Africa share a responsibility to strengthen the Global South. “Our partnership goes beyond trade. It’s about friendship, solidarity, and working together to build a fairer world order,” he said.
The seminar ended with a strong sense of optimism. Delegates agreed that the growing cooperation between the two countries is not just about economic numbers, but about people from farmers who export their produce to China, to young entrepreneurs who find new opportunities through innovation and trade.
