On 26 March, the Embassy held a farewell reception for Chargé d'affaires a.i. Li Zhigang. Dozens of officials from DIRCO attended the event, including Zodwa Lallie, Acting Deputy Director-General, and Thandiwe Fadane, Chief Director: East Asia and Oceania. 

In his speech, Chargé d'affaires Li Zhigang recalled the achievements in China-South Africa relations and the highlights of bilateral exchanges and cooperation over the past four years during his tenure. He emphasized that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, China-South Africa relations have been upgraded to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Chargé d'affaires Li expressed his heartfelt thanks to DIRCO for its strong support for the work of his and the Embassy. He believed that China-South Africa relations have a bright future, and that a new chapter will be written as the two countries jointly build a high-level community with a shared future.

Chief Director Thandiwe Fadane delivered a speech on behalf of DIRCO. She highly appreciated the outstanding work done by Chargé d'affaires Li for advancing China-South Africa relations and bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and said she hoped to see the bilateral relations constantly reaching new levels.

The reception was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.