Latest news with #SouthAfrica-China
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Cultural exchange between South Africa and China: A focus on growth and opportunity
Unlocking the potential of South Africa-China relations through cultural exchange Explore the rich landscape of South Africa-China relations as the Chinese Consulate in Durban reveals plans for deeper cultural exchanges and educational opportunities for local students. The Chinese Consulate in Durban, South Africa has revealed plans for deeper cultural exchanges and educational opportunities for local students. In an exclusive, yet candid interview with the Daily News this week, Li Zhigong, the Chinese Consul in Durban said these initiatives are set to foster understanding and collaboration between the two countries. As both nation continued to seek to strengthen their ties, cultural exchange emerged in the conversation as a pivotal tool for fostering understanding and collaboration. Li elaborated on how the Chinese Consulate in Durban promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations. He explained that the consulate actively collaborates with local institutions and the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology in the region to bring Chinese culture to South Africa while also celebrating South African traditions. "This dual approach enhances respect and comprehension between the two countries," he said. The Consulate has organised a variety of events aimed at bridging cultural divides. Festivals, exhibitions, and film screenings are among the many initiatives that have enriched Durban's cultural landscape. According to Li, Notable events include the vibrant celebrations of Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the National Day Reception. "These gatherings serve not only to celebrate Chinese heritage but also to foster dialogue and interaction with local communities," he explained. Furthermore, the consulate has supported various groups from China to present Chinese Pictures and Films Shows, calligraphy workshops, and traditional dance performances. One particularly exciting initiative on the horizon is the "China Cultural Camp" hosted by the Shude Chinese School in Durban. Set to take place in the latter half of this year, this camp will welcome dozens of teachers from China, offering local children and anyone interested in Chinese culture a unique opportunity to engage and partake in an enriching cultural experience. Education remains another cornerstone of the cultural exchange between South Africa and China. Li detailed how South African students and scholars can access scholarships or exchange programmes in China. "Applications can be made through the Chinese Embassy's scholarship platform or via the Confucius Institute for both language and degree scholarships. These comprehensive programs cover tuition, accommodation, and living stipends. The Consulate consistently works to ensure that the application process is transparent and fair, providing guidance and liaising with educational institutions to facilitate student access," he said. As both countries continue to navigate their relationship, cultural exchanges play a vital role in promoting cooperation, understanding, and a shared vision for the future. "Investment in cultural exchanges is an investment in our future partnerships,' concluded Li.
Daily Maverick
08-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
‘I've met the Chinese ambassador over MEC Meyer's ban' – Western Cape Premier Winde
South Africa-China relations once again came under the spotlight in the Western Cape Legislature as the fallout over the banning from China of MEC Ivan Meyer continues. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he has met both MEC Ivan Meyer and Chinese officials over the ongoing fallout in the provincial legislature over Meyer's ban from visiting China, after a trip to Taiwan. Winde revealed this during a debate in the legislature on Thursday, 8 May on Meyer's ban, which dates back to January. Two weeks ago, the African National Congress (ANC) staged a walkout in support of its caucus member Rachel Windgovel, who was asked to leave the sitting after she refused to apologise for claiming Meyer's trip to Taiwan 'betrayed' South Africa. Meyer was not physically present in the chamber on Thursday and has remained silent on the issue. It came up during a mini-debate, after ANC leader of the opposition Khalid Sayed asked if Meyer's trip potentially jeopardised trade relations with China. Winde told members of the legislature: 'I have had a meeting with the Chinese ambassador on this specific subject, also with the consul general.' He also said he had discussed the issue with Meyer, who serves as MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism. Winde did not go into any further details. Winde said Meyer's trip was 'not an official engagement conducted on behalf of the Western Cape government or any of its entities'. Winde continued, 'It was conducted strictly in his personal and private capacity and not as a member of this government… If the honourable member probably realises that, it was the ANC that actually made his father a consul general in that country, and, of course, then you find personal relationships.' Meyer's father, Piet Meyer, was a member of the Western Cape executive who also served as an ambassador to Taiwan. He died in 2020. Trade relations During the debate, Winde said, 'We deeply value our ties and friendship with the People's Republic of China, especially our long-standing regional partnership with Shandong province.' He said the partnership with China was the first of its kind for an SA province. 'Our relations with China have benefited the Western Cape not only in terms of trade and investment, but also in terms of sustainable development, innovation and entrepreneurship at large.' The ANC's Sayed said, 'The recent visit to Taiwan by MEC Meyer does, in fact, run the risk of jeopardising and straining the Western Cape's and indeed South Africa's vital diplomatic trade and investment relations with the People's Republic of China, especially considering South Africa's official foreign policy position regarding the One China policy'. In response, the DA's Bennedicta van Minnen said, referring to Sayed: 'Just eight days ago, the honourable member proudly showed footage on X of himself engaging with Russian representatives, recklessly risking our trade relations with Europe and the United States.' Personal vs public roles During the debate, the Good party's Brett Herron said there was a fundamental principle: 'When you are an elected official, the lines between your personal and public life are inevitably blurred. This is not just a matter of perception; it is a matter of responsibility.' Herron said Meyer, in his government role, held a position of trust. 'His foremost duty is to protect and advance the economic interests of this province. So how can that duty be effectively carried out if he is personally banned from entering China, our largest trading partner in Asia?' 'If the MEC visited Taiwan in a personal capacity, the question of what exactly happened, or how egregious was his behaviour, to lead to a ban? On the other hand, if he met with Taiwanese officials, the trip cannot fall under the banner of a personal visit.' Herron continued: 'Let us be clear: China is not just another market. It is a key player in our province's export strategy, tourism potential and foreign investment pipeline. Being banned from engaging directly with Chinese officials and business representatives places MEC Meyer in a compromised position. It limits his ability to build relationships, attract investment and promote trade, all of which are critical functions of his portfolio.' Ferlon Christians from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) questioned why the ANC wanted to have a political debate on the issue, as the trip had been in Meyer's private capacity. 'How can we … tell members you cannot go to China, you cannot go to America because you're a member of the house, or you are the executive, you cannot do that?' he said. The controversy dates back to January 2025, following a Daily Maverick report about Meyer and his family being barred by the Chinese embassy in Pretoria from visiting China, Hong Kong and Macao. The embassy said at the time that it regarded Meyer's visit as 'blatantly violating' Beijing's One China policy. The issue emerged as South Africa instructed the Taiwan representative office to vacate its Pretoria premises and relocate to another city. Beijing rigorously applies a One China policy, insisting that any country that recognises China must not in any way give diplomatic recognition to Taiwan. At the end of 1997, South Africa switched recognition from Taiwan to China, but formally agreed to allow Taiwan to continue an official presence in Pretoria under the name 'Taipei Liaison Office'. DM
Daily Maverick
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
ANC exits legislature in protest as Windvogel stands firm on controversial Taiwan comments
China-Taiwan conflict reaches Western Cape Legislature following ANC MPL Rachel Windvogel's refusal to apologise over claiming Western Cape MEC Ivan Meyer 'betrayed South Africa' by visiting Taiwan. The African National Congress (ANC) caucus of the Western Cape Legislature walked out of a sitting on Thursday, 24 April 2025, after its member Rachel Windvogel was kicked out after she refused to apologise for saying that MEC Ivan Meyer had 'betrayed' the country by visiting Taiwan. When asked if she would apologise, Windvogel said: 'I refuse, finish and klaar.' Windvogel's comments were put in a motion brought by DA Chief Whip Gillion Bosman. Meyer is, of course, part of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and is the Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism. The controversy dates back to January 2025, following a Daily Maverick report about Meyer and his family being banned by the Chinese embassy in Pretoria from visiting China, Hong Kong and Macao. The embassy said at the time that it regarded Meyer's visit as 'blatantly violating' Beijing's One China policy. The issue emerged while South Africa had instructed the Taiwan representative to vacate its Pretoria office and relocate to another city. Beijing rigorously applies a One China policy, insisting that any country that recognises China must not in any way give diplomatic recognition to Taiwan. At the end of 1997, South Africa switched recognition from Taiwan to China, but formally agreed to allow Taiwan to continue an official presence in Pretoria under the name 'Taipei Liaison Office'. According to the DA's motion, Windvogel made 'unfounded and inaccurate claims' against Meyer over his trip to Taiwan, and this threatened South Africa-China relations. Windvogel was accused of misleading the legislature and was asked to withdraw her comments 'which negatively reflected on the integrity and dignity of a Member of the House'. On 3 April 2025, during a Budget vote debate, Windvogel said: 'MEC Ivan Meyer betrayed South Africa by visiting Taiwan, threatening our trade with China.' While speaking on the motion, Bosman said Meyer's visit was private, 'nor did he act in his capacity as a provincial leader'. Bosman said that individuals, even those holding public office, were free to travel without political interference. Bosman added that Meyer made no official visit, or held discussions. ANC caucus leader Khalid Sayed said Windvogel would not apologise and reiterated the claim that Meyer's trip harmed the South Africa-China relationship. Sayed said Meyer's trip should be referred to the legislature's conduct committee. During their turns to speak, a few opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and National Coloured Congress (NCC), supported the ANC's case. Grant Marais from the Freedom Front Plus argued against the ANC member's comments, saying: 'Freedom of speech must be protected.' Ferlon Christians from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) said trips by parliamentarians in their private capacity should be regarded as private, and that Windvogel should apologise. The DA and ACDP supported the motion to force Windvogel to apologise, which was passed. The ANC, EFF, NCC and Freedom Front Plus were against the motion. After Windvogel was asked to apologise, she refused to do so and was asked by Speaker Daylin Mitchell to leave the legislature chamber. She walked out and was followed in solidarity by members of her caucus. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, via a parliamentary response, said Meyer's trip was not in his official capacity as a representative of the Western Cape Government, and thus no approval was needed for the trip.
