Exchange night a call to action for youth to step forward

The Citizen

6 hours ago

On the evening of June 23, the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria east was transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration, dialogue, and inspiration as it hosted the China-South Africa Youth Exchange Night.
Organised by the Embassy of China in South Africa and the National Press Club, the event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of youth empowerment, cultural understanding, and global partnership, values that resonate deeply during South Africa's Youth Month.
At the heart of the evening was the shared commitment to fostering mutual understanding and long-term collaboration between China and South Africa.
Guests were treated to a rich programme that included the launch of the book China Through My Eyes: A Journey of a Young South African to China by Michael Mayalo, and a screening of the emotionally moving film Ordinary Hero.
Dignitaries and thought leaders also made thoughtful speeches.
The evening kicked off with a finger buffet of traditional Chinese dishes, where guests mingled and networked, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and shared experience.
As the formal programme commenced, Ambassador Wu Peng took to the stage, his words striking a chord with many in the audience. The evening was attended by more than 200 young adults from both China and South Africa.
'China is South Africa's largest trade partner since 2009,' he remarked, highlighting the depth of economic ties. 'There are over 200 Chinese companies doing business in South Africa. One of our strongest trade links remains agriculture, but we want to expand our partnership to also include more manufactured products from South Africa.'
Peng's focus was not merely economic.
He emphasised the importance of people-to-people diplomacy, adding, 'You can always have a meaningful conversation with South Africans when you want to build bridges of friendship. The exchange programme is the outflow of that'.
Peng stressed the role of education in shaping tomorrow's leaders.
'Education is a top priority in China, and we want to carry this value into our exchange programme with South Africa. Over the next three years, we aim to offer more training and learning opportunities to the South African youth.'
One of the evening's most anticipated moments was the appearance of the young South African author Mayalo, whose newly launched book explores his journey in China.
His speech was deeply moving, grounded in lived experience and honest reflection.
'Living and studying in China changed me,' he said. 'One of the things I've learned in China again is that you can go far in life if you are humble. Traditions, like I have discovered in China, are also always a journey of discovery and not merely historical cultural detail.'
Mayalo's message to his peers was urgent: 'The youth are not the future. They are the present. We are shaping our societies today. And every opportunity to learn from others, especially across cultures, is an opportunity for growth.'
His book serves as testament to this mindset, drawing readers into his journey of transformation, identity, and discovery in a foreign land.
The screening of Ordinary Hero added an emotional and inspirational layer to the evening.
The film tells the story of everyday individuals who rise above challenges to create meaningful change in their communities. It served as a powerful metaphor for the role young people can and should play in society: champions of kindness, determination, and service.
The audience was visibly moved by the film's core message: that heroism is not limited to grand gestures. It is often found in the quiet resolve of people who simply care.
Albi Modise, executive member of the National Press Club, praised the event's significance.
'It is good to attend a function that celebrates young people during Youth Month,' he said. 'We appreciate the hand of friendship extended to South Africa. In an era where artificial intelligence, climate change, and global shifts are affecting the youth's lives and career paths, international support and cultural exchange have never been more vital.'
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