Latest news with #Mayalo
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Exchange night a call to action for youth to step forward
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.' ALSO READ: Homeless get more than warmth at shelter Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Michael Mayalo to Launch First Book at China–SA Youth Night
More than just a travel memoir, 'China Through My Eyes' explores themes of global identity, youth empowerment, and intercultural understanding. Image: Supplied South African social entrepreneur, youth activist, and writer Michael Mayalo is set to make his literary debut with the launch of his first book, 'China Through My Eyes', at the upcoming China–South Africa Youth Night on June 23, 2025, in Pretoria. The book, which has been three years in the making, reflects Michael's deeply personal journey and cultural awakening during his short-term studies in China. More than just a travel memoir, 'China Through My Eyes' explores themes of global identity, youth empowerment, and intercultural understanding - told through the authentic voice of an African who has experienced life beyond his borders and returned inspired to share. 'This is not just my story,' says Mayalo. 'It's a story for every young person who dreams of seeing the world, learning from it, and bringing something back to build their own communities.' The China–South Africa Youth Night is a symbolic event celebrating the growing ties between the two nations, and Mayalo's book will be one of its highlights. The evening will bring together youth leaders, diplomats, creatives, and cultural performers in a celebration of connection and collaboration. Michael will share a few remarks and will also be signing copies of his book. In addition to the Pretoria launch, Michael will also be taking 'China Through My Eyes' on a national tour, with planned launches in Cape Town and the Eastern Cape. As part of this rollout, he will be visiting schools and universities, engaging directly with young people to discuss the themes of the book and the importance of global exposure and cultural exchange. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ As a respected youth activist, Michael Mayalo has been at the forefront of youth-led development, social impact, and community dialogue in South Africa. Now, with 'China Through My Eyes', he adds 'author' to his growing list of contributions — using his voice to inspire minds across borders. The book is expected to resonate not only with students and young professionals but also with educators, policy-makers, and anyone interested in the power of cross-cultural storytelling.
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
JP Smith responds to 'The Truth About Cape Town's Well-Run Image'
JP Smith addresses Michael Andisile Mayalo's opinion piece, offering a comprehensive view of Cape Town's safety challenges and the city's proactive measures to combat crime. Image: File Picture In response to the opinion piece by Michael Andisile Mayalo titled 'The Truth About Cape Town's Well-Run Image: A Cape Flats Perspective'. The sentiments expressed by Mr Mayalo portray a dim and singular view of a complex issue that the City of Cape Town's Safety and Security directorate has been tackling for nearly two decades. Central to the confusion often exhibited by the communities, and evident in this opinion piece, is the control over the South African Police Services (SAPS) and governmental mandates that stipulate who has the authority to exercise control in this regard. The Constitution clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of various spheres of government. The City's constitutional mandate includes traffic and by-law enforcement. National government is constitutionally responsible for crime prevention, investigation, and intelligence gathering and exclusively controls SAPS. The Provincial Government has only an oversight role over SAPS and no actual City's Safety and Security directorate boasts an array of departments and initiatives which were strategically founded to address the shortfall by SAPS to effectively police the gang hotspots across Cape Town. Improving the lives of residents of the so-called Cape Flats has always been a priority for this directorate with the bulk of our resources being deployed daily to communities such as Manenberg, Lavender Hill, Hanover Park and various others. In addition to the additional boots on the ground, we take a strategic approach to proactive policing the City has successfully amalgamated the use of gunshot detection technology and other aids such as drones and CCTV cameras for intelligence driven deployment not just reactive policing after shootings flare up. The main misconception about ShotSpotter is that it will end gun violence. ShotSpotter is the alarm not the sprinkler. It provides one single version of the truth about the high levels of gun violence affecting our communities and this provides authorities, including SAPS, with objective data. Mr Mayalo's claim that the directorate controls 21 safety units and specialised crime intelligence is blatantly untrue or he is misinformed. I have oversight over the following departments: • Emergency Services (PECC/107) • Disaster Risk Management • Traffic Services • Fire and Rescue Services • Law Enforcement Services • Metro Police Department • Events and Film • Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU) and the Safety and Security Information Management Systems (SSIMS). • Neighbourhood Watch Support Teams. In addition, The City does obtain and share crime intelligence from and with SAPS. We have our own in-house information management unit that assists both the City and SAPS with crime data to aid their investigations as our municipal mandate does not extend to the formal investigation into organised crime. For the period between January 2021 and January 2025, the City's enforcement agencies have removed 1670 firearms from the streets of Cape Town. This includes prohibited firearms, zip guns and replica recent years I have continually called for the devolution of the police service in the Western Cape and even across South Africa. The national Police Minister has the authority to devolve policing powers to competent local or provincial governments The City of Cape Town has proven that even with limited resources, the restrictions of municipal budgets and limited policing powers, we have made a significant impact in reducing crime but we are ready to do more. Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security
