WeeklySA_AdminTIES: The two countries pledge to deepen cultural, youth and skills programmes with up to 600 activities planned across the continent…
By Thobile Jiwulane
China and South Africa have renewed their commitment to deepen cooperation through expanded people-to-people exchanges, strengthening cultural ties, youth development and skills partnerships between China and Africa.
This was highlighted at the launch of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, hosted at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria this week. The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng, African diplomats, and senior South African government representatives, including deputy ministers and state officials.
The launch also formed part of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, which Wu said has helped China–Africa cultural exchange flourish and deliver tangible results.
Skills training
Wu said the initiative builds on established youth and training programmes such as the China–Africa Future Leaders’ Dialogue, the Young Leaders Forum, and the China–Africa Vocational Education Cooperation Plan. He also cited the establishment of 17 Luban Workshops in 15 African countries, which he said have trained more than 10,000 professionals.
“Facts have shown that people-to-people exchanges form the most solid foundation of China–Africa friendship, while mutual learning among civilizations serves as the strongest driving force for China–Africa cooperation,” Wu said.
Expanded exchanges
The Year of People-to-People Exchanges follows an agreement reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and African leaders at the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. The initial launch ceremony took place at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa last week, where Xi sent a congratulatory message urging both sides to deepen exchanges, especially among youth, and strengthen mutual learning.
Wu said China and Africa plan to host up to 600 exchange activities this year under the theme: “Consolidate All-Weather Friendship, Pursue Shared Dream of Modernization.” The Chinese Embassy in South Africa plans to host about 20 events, including “Happy Spring Festival” performances and exhibitions next month.
“In the new era of China–Africa exchanges, young people are growing into the navigators who connect our two great civilisations,” Wu said. He highlighted upcoming programmes such as the China–South Africa Young Scientists’ Dialogue and the South African Chinese Language Day cultural festival.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, welcomed the initiative, describing relations between the two countries as historic and wide-ranging.
He said since formal diplomatic ties were established on January 1 1998, South Africa and China have strengthened cooperation across political, economic, social and multilateral spheres, including a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership supported by a 10-year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029).
Letsike also called for China’s support in global governance reforms, including reform of the United Nations and the UN Security Council, to make the international system more representative and equitable.
A key bridge
South Africa’s Director-General of Tourism, Nkhumeleni Vele, said the initiative strongly aligns with tourism’s role as a practical form of people-to-people exchange.
“Tourism brings cultures into direct contact, builds understanding, and transforms diplomatic relations into lived experience,” Vele said.
He noted that China remains one of South Africa’s priority tourism markets and a key partner in efforts to grow tourism as a driver of inclusive economic development and job creation. Vele said cooperation has produced concrete gains, including Mandarin training and cultural immersion programmes for tourism workers, capacity-building initiatives and destination promotion through South Africa’s presence in Beijing.
While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel, Vele said tourism links are recovering through the return of direct flights, renewed promotion, and mechanisms such as the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which aims to rebuild confidence and remove barriers to travel.
“Let us continue to harness tourism as a bridge between our peoples — a bridge built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for sustainable and inclusive growth,” Vele said. – Fullview
