On February 13, 2026, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa held the Happy Chinese New Year Reception 2026. Nearly 1,000 guests from various sectors of South Africa, along with representatives of Chinese enterprises, institutions, and the Chinese community in South Africa, gathered to celebrate the 2026 Spring Festival.

In his remarks, Ambassador Wu Peng noted that 2025 marked the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China’s economic strength, technological capabilities and overall national strength all advanced to a new level. The All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era between China and South Africa has steadily moved forward, and practical cooperation in various fields continued to expand. 2026 is the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan and also the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. China stands ready to work with South Africa to pursue the dream of modernization to create an even brighter future for China-South Africa relations. Ambassador Wu extended New Year greetings to the Chinese community in South Africa, and expressed appreciation for their positive contributions to advancing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina extended festive greetings to the Chinese people on behalf of the South African government and its people. She expressed hope that the two countries would deepen cooperation for shared prosperity, and continue to make positive contributions to global peace and development.

Ambassador Wu and the guests toured exhibitions showcasing products of Chinese enterprises in South Africa and traditional Chinese culture. The Performing Arts Troupe from China’s Sichuan Province joined hands with the performing team of the South African State Theatre to present spectacular performances. The event featured a warm and lively atmosphere with sustained applause, and culminated with the joyful celebration of the Spring Festival and China–South Africa friendship.