Young Voices Shape China-Africa Future at Wits Youth Dialogue in Johannesburg

By Thembi Moyo

Johannesburg 8 May 2026 – Young leaders, diplomats and students gathered at the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg this week for a thought-provoking dialogue centered on Chinese modernization and Africa’s development, highlighting the growing relationship between China and South Africa and the important role young people will play in shaping the future.

Held in the Consulate’s courtyard under a traditional African-style Lapa known as “Fangcaoting”, the Youth Dialogue between Chinese Young Diplomats and Wits University students created a platform for open conversation, cultural exchange and fresh perspectives on development, governance and global cooperation. Chinese Consul General Pan Qingjiang said the event, now in its third edition in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand, reflects the importance of empowering young people to engage on global issues. “Youth dialogue serves as a golden key for increasing mutual understanding and mutual learning, especially in cross-cultural exchanges,” Pan said.

He noted that both China and African countries are pursuing modernization at a time of growing global uncertainty and said cooperation between the two regions remains vital. “A peaceful China is a blessing for the world. A prosperous China offers developmental opportunities for the world,” he said. “On the journey of modernization, not a single African brother should be left behind.”

Pan highlighted China’s recent expansion of zero-tariff access to African exports, describing it as part of China’s broader commitment to shared development with the continent. Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Wits University, Lynn Morris, praised the initiative for creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage beyond the classroom. “I’m always impressed when I get invited to your events. They just have an energy and vibrancy that’s somehow missing in academia,” Morris said. She described the gathering as “something very special” and applauded the Consulate for recognizing the importance of youth voices. “You’re bringing together smart young people and allowing them to identify the issues and the solutions,” she said. “You are giving them the opportunity to broaden their perspectives.”

Morris also reflected on the growing academic and innovation partnerships between South Africa and China, particularly in areas such as green hydrogen research and technology development. “There’s no doubt China is driven by innovation, and that really excites us because it’s the direction our university is also taking,” she said. Dean of Student Affairs at Wits University, Jerome September, said dialogue remains central to both South Africa’s democratic journey and the future of international partnerships. “The future is about bridge-building. The future is about conversation, debates, putting the tough questions on the table,” September said.

He added that the partnership between the Chinese Consulate and Wits University goes far beyond tourism or exchange visits. “It is much deeper than a cultural immersion. It is about the knowledge project. It is about thinking about the future, co-designing and co-dreaming what a possible future might look like,” he said. September also stressed the importance of including young people in meaningful decision-making spaces. “I want to thank you for inviting young people into the room in a meaningful way,” he said. “If young people leave this space with their perspectives shifted even slightly, then we would have achieved a lot.”

One of the most impactful student contributions came from Wits master’s student Tshepo Matloga, who shared how a study visits to China transformed her understanding of governance, planning and development. Visiting cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Hangzhou, Matloga said she was struck not only by the scale of China’s infrastructure, but by the efficiency and long-term vision behind it. “Development is not just about building infrastructure. Governance shapes how decisions are made, how plans are structured and how they are implemented,” she said.

She compared China’s centralised planning approach with South Africa’s democratic governance system, noting that while both models have strengths, South Africa could benefit from stronger alignment between planning and implementation. “We can learn the importance of aligning planning with implementation, strengthening coordination across sectors and ensuring development is sustained over time,” she said. Matloga said the experience inspired her personally as a future construction professional. “I left China not only impressed but inspired inspired to think bigger and contribute meaningfully to infrastructure development in South Africa,” he said.

Chinese diplomat Zhang Yue focused on the economic opportunities emerging from China’s new tariff-free trade policies for African countries. Holding up a bottle of South African red wine exported to China, Zhang explained how the new zero-tariff measures are already benefiting African producers. “This shipment saved more than $52,000 thanks to the new policy,” Zhang said. “This is the first time a major developing country has implemented a comprehensive zero-tariff policy for the entire African continent.”

She said products including Ethiopian coffee, Ugandan dried chilli, Kenyan avocados and South African wine would now have easier access to the Chinese market. “The policy will help more African products enter thousands of Chinese households faster and at more affordable prices,” she said. The dialogue formed part of the broader China-Africa People-to-People Exchange Year and reinforced growing cooperation between China and African institutions in education, trade, innovation and youth development.

As conversations continued over Chinese cuisine and cultural exchanges, participants agreed that youth-led dialogue remains critical in shaping a more connected and collaborative future between China, South Africa and the African continent.