On 16 May, Ambassador Wu Peng visited the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, and delivered a speech at the museum. The visit was accompanied by senior officials of the museum and the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, as well as officials from the Mthatha city. More than 100 local cultural and educational workers, students and journalists were present.

On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, Ambassador Wu presented to the museum a portrait of President Nelson Mandela drawn with the traditional Chinese art process of Pyrography. In his speech, Ambassador Wu stated that President Mandela was one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century, an old friend of China greatly respected by the Chinese people. He believed the Mandela spirit will continue to encourage the people of China and South Africa to deepen their friendship and cooperation.

The occasion fostered a pleasant and amicable atmosphere. The officials thanked the Chinese side for the gift. They believed Ambassador Wu’s visit reflected the traditional friendship between the people of China and South Africa, and said they hope to see more cultural exchanges between the two countries.