On 17 June, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and South Africa's Department of Science, Technology and Innovation jointly hosted the China-South Africa Young Scientists Exchange Symposium. The event was attended and addressed by Ambassador Wu Peng, Minister of of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina, CEO of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Thulani Dlamini, and President of the Academy of Science of South Africa Thokozani Majozi. More than 10 young scholars from universities and research institutions in both countries engaged in discussions under the theme "Youth, Science, Unity for Good,"  and over 150 participants attended the symposium.

In his remarks, Ambassador Wu Peng reviewed the pioneering role played by young people in China and South Africa at critical stages of national development. He noted that science and technology cooperation, especially exchanges and collaboration among young scientists, has always been one of the most dynamic and productive areas of China-South Africa bilateral relations. Such cooperation has made great contributions to deepening bilateral relations, advancing discovery at the science frontier, and promoting sustainable development. He reaffirmed China's commitment to creating more opportunities for youth exchange between the two countries, and encouraged young people to play an active part in China–South Africa and China–Africa cooperation.

Minister Nzimande noted that the symposium carries special significance because it takes place as South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of Youth Day and just a few weeks before the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. He emphasized the longstanding friendship between South Africa and China and highlighted that the two countries have produced more than 100 joint research projects. He noted that South Africa intends to use the Young Scientists Exchange Programme to strengthen long-term exchanges that contribute to human resource development in both countries.

Minister-Counsellor Chen Jingquan, who oversees science and technology affairs at the Embassy, introduced the Young Scientists Exchange Programme, joint research projects, joint laboratories, and the Talented Young Scientist Programme.

The symposium also served as a platform to publicize China's policies on international science and technology cooperation, leading to greater mutual understanding between young scientists from the two countries.