On January 12, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa hosted a reception to mark the opening of the 2026 "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges" . The event was attended and addressed by Ambassador Wu Peng, South African Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike, and Director-General of Tourism Nkhumeleni Vele. Approximately 60 representatives from various sectors participated, including Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo, SACP Politburo Member Mashilo, as well as officials from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Science and Innovation, the Department of Health, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the African National Congress, think tanks, and media outlets.

Ambassador Wu commenced the proceedings by reading the congratulatory letter from President Xi Jinping regarding the opening ceremony. He noted that designating this the "Year of People-to-People Exchanges" on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa was a major initiative agreed upon by President Xi and African leaders at the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit. Ambassador Wu emphasized that as the world undergoes major changes unseen in a century, the need for China and Africa to uphold justice, strengthen solidarity, and enhance cooperation is greater than ever. He expressed his anticipation that China and South Africa would seize this opportunity to accelerate the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

In their respective addresses, Deputy Minister Letsike and Director-General Vele underscored the significance of the "Year of People-to-People Exchanges" in the face of current geopolitical challenges. They affirmed that the South African side would actively promote the initiative to achieve fruitful outcomes, and consolidate the China-South Africa friendship for the benefit of both peoples.

The reception was conducted in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Guests enjoyed a cultural program featuring traditional Zulu dance, a vocal medley of Chinese and South African songs, and a martial arts performance by the Confucius Institute. Attendees widely praised the tight bond connecting the hearts of the Chinese and South African people and wished the "Year of People-to-People Exchanges" every success.