On June 23, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and the South African National Press Club co-hosted the “China–South Africa Youth Exchange Night” in celebration of South Africa’s Youth Month. Remarks were delivered by Ambassador Wu Peng, Ms Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency For Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and a youth representative. Over 300 participants attended the event, including representatives from youth organizations such as the ANC Youth League, Congress of South African Students, South African Students Congress, Youth Business Chamber and Young Women of Africa, students from the University of Johannesburg, youth from the Chinese community in South Africa, and young diplomats from the Embassy.

In his address, Ambassador Wu Peng shared with the audience four keywords starting with the letter “C”—Connection, Capacity, Culture, and Cooperation. He introduced the outcomes of China-South Africa cooperation, highlighting training, employment, studying in China, and other issues closely followed by the South African youth. Ambassador Wu also introduced China’s new cooperation initiatives toward Africa recently announced by President Xi Jinping. He encouraged more South African young people to study, travel and work in China, engage actively in the bilateral cooperation, and make greater contributions to China-South Africa relations.

Other speakers emphasized the unique and significant role that youth exchanges play in the bilateral relations, and expressed their hope that more young people would contribute to the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The event was held in a lively and friendly atmosphere. Mr Michael Mayalo, former ANC Youth League member and recipient of the Dongfang Scholarship, introduced his new book China Through My Eyes—A Journey of a Young South African to China, and shared his experiences in China and affection for China. Young people from both countries engaged in friendly conversations. They watched together a Chinese youth film Ordinary Hero as well as a promotional video featuring China’s urban development.