Latest news with #Tembe
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
‘My time in Sichuan shows harmony of multi-ethnic unity': Global Times
08/06/2025, Beijing, China // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Curiosity about China is drawing a growing number of international travelers to visit the country. From walking on ancient stones atop the Great Wall to riding high-speed trains between glittering skylines, many say they've discovered a China they didn't expect to see. In our special series, 'Journey Through China,' the Global Times shares the impressions of international travelers who have recently spent time in China. Their firsthand accounts - ranging from casual observations to thoughtful reflections - shed light on three key aspects of today's China: infrastructure, modernization and traditional culture. In the third article of the series, Global Times (GT) reporter Ma Ruiqian talked to Paul Zilungisele Tembe (Tembe), director at the SELE Encounters Cross-Civilization Communication Strategies in South Africa and recipient of the 18th Special Book Award of China. He recently participated in a cultural tour to Sichuan Province and shared his perspective on China. GT: You mentioned that the experience of harmonious living among the multi-ethnic residents of Sichuan, a convergence of diversities toward a united and unique Chinese culture have left an indelible mark in your understanding of Chinese culture. How is this cultural inclusiveness embodied in the call of China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) for respecting the diversity of world civilizations? Tembe: The GCI is rooted in the essence of multi-ethnicity. It starts from local diversity - ethnic, cultural - and expands to national, regional and eventually global dimensions. My time in Sichuan gave me a vivid impression of what unity within diversity can look like. Coming from South Africa - a country with 12 official languages and a complex multi-ethnic society - I saw parallels. We gained our democracy in 1994, and we are still working through the process of building a unified national identity. My experience in Sichuan gave me a glimpse of what South Africa could aspire to in the long term. All the units are perfect and harmonious. I truly wish that one day Sichuan and a province in South Africa could become sister provinces. We could learn a lot from each other, especially given our shared experiences with multi-ethnic societies. GT: During your visit to Siguniang Mountains and the Wolong National Nature Reserve, you've observed a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. What is your view of China's approach to environmental protection and green development? Tembe: President Xi Jinping put forward the idea of 'Beautiful China,' meaning care for the environment. What I took away from my time in Sichuan - beyond the harmony of multi-ethnic unity - was how human development is being balanced with the protection of nature. What touched me even more deeply was my visit to the Wolong National Nature Reserve. It showed that China is able to pursue modernization without sacrificing its traditions or its environment. In addition, I visited the Siguniang Mountains and saw many kinds of precious stones in the museum. Although the region is rich in natural resources, mining is prohibited in order to protect the ecosystem. These are practical models that can be applied to the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Although climate agreements are often signed, implementation remains a challenge. What I appreciate about China is that its environmental efforts are scientific and systematic. These models can be transferred to other countries and still function effectively. I especially hope to see more cooperation within the Global South. Right now, we are a bit behind in terms of climate finance and environmental planning. But if countries in the Global South work together - through South-South cooperation or other multilateral platforms - we could adopt the Chinese model and create a better environmental trajectory. GT: Although China and Africa differ in terms of geography, culture, history and social structures, they share common values such as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom. As a long-time advocate for China-Africa cultural exchanges, how did your travels and experiences in China lead you to recognize and resonate with these shared values? Tembe: When we talk about values, I believe we should take a step back and look at deeper philosophical roots. For example, if we consider some core tenets of Confucianism, we find values that are deeply relevant both in China and Africa. Africa stands for peace, values harmony, and is committed to hard work. Africa wants tangible and concrete results. It seeks partnerships based on equality and mutual respect. If we look at China's proposals for cooperation with Africa, especially starting from President Xi's 2013 visit to Tanzania, the four-point proposal - sincerity, real results, amity and good faith - aligns closely with African expectations of partnership. These are not just diplomatic phrases; they reflect deeper cultural values that we can trace both in Chinese civilization and in African traditions. GT: There are still some narratives in international discourse that promote the 'China threat' rhetoric. Based on your years of living and studying in China - especially your understanding of its peace-oriented cultural traditions - how would you respond to such claims? Tembe: I will give you both perspectives: The Western one, based on projection and fear; and the Chinese one, based on unity and peaceful development. First, there's a tendency that if someone has done bad things to others, they begin to judge others through that same lens. That's what we see with how the West views China. They fear that China's rise will mirror their own rise during the 15th and 16th centuries. Let's recall - the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) saw China's doors to the outside world shut. Meanwhile, the West was expanding, taking advantage of China's absence from the high seas. That period marked the beginning of Western colonialism. So now, they look at China and assume China will behave the way they did. But that's not about China; that's about them. They project their own past - colonization and domination - onto China, but they also suffer from historical amnesia. China has always had one consistent focus: unity and development. China has no interest in controlling others. China seeks friendships abroad to create a stable external environment that allows it to survive and thrive in the long run. China has experienced many historical upheavals. So its greatest concern - in development, finance and foreign policy - is preserving a unified China. I would say, as someone who studies and understands China, the West is worrying for nothing. China is not going to become the kind of global threat they imagine. But there's one thing: Nature does not allow a vacuum. In English, we say 'when the cat's away, the mice will play.' In geopolitics, the same principle applies. China needs to have a strong presence globally. But a strong global presence does not mean colonialism or the control of other countries. These things are not the same. Source: Global Times: Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: [email protected] Website: City: Beijing
Business Upturn
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Upturn
‘My time in Sichuan shows harmony of multi-ethnic unity': Global Times
Beijing, China, Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curiosity about China is drawing a growing number of international travelers to visit the country. From walking on ancient stones atop the Great Wall to riding high-speed trains between glittering skylines, many say they've discovered a China they didn't expect to see. In our special series, 'Journey Through China,' the Global Times shares the impressions of international travelers who have recently spent time in China. Their firsthand accounts – ranging from casual observations to thoughtful reflections – shed light on three key aspects of today's China: infrastructure, modernization and traditional culture. In the third article of the series, Global Times (GT) reporter Ma Ruiqian talked to Paul Zilungisele Tembe (Tembe), director at the SELE Encounters Cross-Civilization Communication Strategies in South Africa and recipient of the 18th Special Book Award of China. He recently participated in a cultural tour to Sichuan Province and shared his perspective on China. GT: You mentioned that the experience of harmonious living among the multi-ethnic residents of Sichuan, a convergence of diversities toward a united and unique Chinese culture have left an indelible mark in your understanding of Chinese culture. How is this cultural inclusiveness embodied in the call of China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) for respecting the diversity of world civilizations? Tembe: The GCI is rooted in the essence of multi-ethnicity. It starts from local diversity – ethnic, cultural – and expands to national, regional and eventually global dimensions. My time in Sichuan gave me a vivid impression of what unity within diversity can look like. Coming from South Africa – a country with 12 official languages and a complex multi-ethnic society – I saw parallels. We gained our democracy in 1994, and we are still working through the process of building a unified national identity. My experience in Sichuan gave me a glimpse of what South Africa could aspire to in the long term. All the units are perfect and harmonious. I truly wish that one day Sichuan and a province in South Africa could become sister provinces. We could learn a lot from each other, especially given our shared experiences with multi-ethnic societies. GT: During your visit to Siguniang Mountains and the Wolong National Nature Reserve, you've observed a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. What is your view of China's approach to environmental protection and green development? Tembe: President Xi Jinping put forward the idea of 'Beautiful China,' meaning care for the environment. What I took away from my time in Sichuan – beyond the harmony of multi-ethnic unity – was how human development is being balanced with the protection of nature. What touched me even more deeply was my visit to the Wolong National Nature Reserve. It showed that China is able to pursue modernization without sacrificing its traditions or its environment. In addition, I visited the Siguniang Mountains and saw many kinds of precious stones in the museum. Although the region is rich in natural resources, mining is prohibited in order to protect the ecosystem. These are practical models that can be applied to the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Although climate agreements are often signed, implementation remains a challenge. What I appreciate about China is that its environmental efforts are scientific and systematic. These models can be transferred to other countries and still function effectively. I especially hope to see more cooperation within the Global South. Right now, we are a bit behind in terms of climate finance and environmental planning. But if countries in the Global South work together – through South-South cooperation or other multilateral platforms – we could adopt the Chinese model and create a better environmental trajectory. GT: Although China and Africa differ in terms of geography, culture, history and social structures, they share common values such as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom. As a long-time advocate for China-Africa cultural exchanges, how did your travels and experiences in China lead you to recognize and resonate with these shared values? Tembe: When we talk about values, I believe we should take a step back and look at deeper philosophical roots. For example, if we consider some core tenets of Confucianism, we find values that are deeply relevant both in China and Africa. Africa stands for peace, values harmony, and is committed to hard work. Africa wants tangible and concrete results. It seeks partnerships based on equality and mutual respect. If we look at China's proposals for cooperation with Africa, especially starting from President Xi's 2013 visit to Tanzania, the four-point proposal – sincerity, real results, amity and good faith – aligns closely with African expectations of partnership. These are not just diplomatic phrases; they reflect deeper cultural values that we can trace both in Chinese civilization and in African traditions. GT: There are still some narratives in international discourse that promote the 'China threat' rhetoric. Based on your years of living and studying in China – especially your understanding of its peace-oriented cultural traditions – how would you respond to such claims? Tembe: I will give you both perspectives: The Western one, based on projection and fear; and the Chinese one, based on unity and peaceful development. First, there's a tendency that if someone has done bad things to others, they begin to judge others through that same lens. That's what we see with how the West views China. They fear that China's rise will mirror their own rise during the 15th and 16th centuries. Let's recall – the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) saw China's doors to the outside world shut. Meanwhile, the West was expanding, taking advantage of China's absence from the high seas. That period marked the beginning of Western colonialism. So now, they look at China and assume China will behave the way they did. But that's not about China; that's about them. They project their own past – colonization and domination – onto China, but they also suffer from historical amnesia. China has always had one consistent focus: unity and development. China has no interest in controlling others. China seeks friendships abroad to create a stable external environment that allows it to survive and thrive in the long run. China has experienced many historical upheavals. So its greatest concern – in development, finance and foreign policy – is preserving a unified China. I would say, as someone who studies and understands China, the West is worrying for nothing. China is not going to become the kind of global threat they imagine. But there's one thing: Nature does not allow a vacuum. In English, we say 'when the cat's away, the mice will play.' In geopolitics, the same principle applies. China needs to have a strong presence globally. But a strong global presence does not mean colonialism or the control of other countries. These things are not the same. Source: Global Times: Company: Global TimesContact Person: Anna Li Email: [email protected] Website: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
TimesLIVE
29-06-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'No politicians influenced lotto deal' — Tembe
Businessman Moses Tembe, who is part of a consortium that was awarded the lucrative lotto licence contract, says there was no political influence or impropriety in the process. Tembe said neither deputy president Paul Mashatile nor any other political entity or individual had a financial interest — directly or indirectly — in their bid. 'We have indicated previously that Sizekhaya [Holdings] won the right to operate the fourth national lottery licence because of the strength of our bid, the deep knowledge of gaming that we bring to the table, our pledge to propel the lottery to new heights by generating more money for the government, for good causes and for players,' he said. Mashatile's statement on Sunday comes just days after he dismissed suggestions of political interference in the awarding of the contract in an interview on Sowetan's new podcast, IN THE KNOW with Sowetan, saying only trade and industry minister Parks Tau had the power to choose the winning bidder. amaBhungane, an investigative journalism organisation reported that Sizekhaya had links with the deputy president. Bellamont Gaming, a company owned by Tembe and Mashatile's wife's sister, Khumo Bogatsu, has shares in Sizekhaya. amaBhungane reported that Bellamont Gaming was registered in December 2023, just nine months after Mashatile married Bogatsu's sister. Together with their consortium partners, they established Sizekhaya Holdings shortly before the February 2024 bidding deadline for the lottery licence. Tembe denied Bellamont Gaming ever discussed the bid with Mashatile.
Daily Maverick
22-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Lottery jackpot — Mashatile's family tied to new multibillion-rand operator deal
Adding to previous concerns over possible political interference in the award of the fourth national lottery licence, it has emerged that Deputy President Paul Mashatile's sister-in-law has a stake in the game. Sizekhaya Holdings, which landed the lucrative licence to operate South Africa's national lottery for eight years, has links to Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Among Sizekhaya's shareholders is Bellamont Gaming, a company co-owned and co-directed by Khumo Bogatsu – Mashatile's sister-in-law – and Moses Tembe, the KwaZulu-Natal businessman who chairs Sizekhaya and seems close to Mashatile. Bogatsu is the twin sister of Humile Mashatile, Mashatile's wife. The deputy president and Humile were married in a lavish set of celebrations attended by the political and business elite in March 2023. Bellamont Gaming was registered nine months later, in December 2023, with Tembe and Bogatsu as its founding and still only directors. Bellamont and consortium partners then registered Sizekhaya just days before last year's February 3 deadline to contest the fourth national lottery licence. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, finally announced the award to Sizekhaya on May 28 this year after protracted delays and what he called 'this arduous exercise' of evaluating eight applications. The National Lotteries Commission, which answers to Tau, helps adjudicate licence bids. The lottery licence is almost literally a licence to print money. The outgoing operator, Ithuba Holdings, reported a R7.28-billion turnover in 2024. Bogatsu and Tembe's joint involvement adds to widespread fears that the politics of patronage may have intruded on the award process. Tembe stays in a palatial residence on Bellamont Road above Umdloti Beach, north of Durban – a road that lent its name to Bellamont Gaming and about a dozen other companies in Tembe's corporate arsenal. People from the area, who asked not to be named, said that Mashatile and Humile had frequented Tembe's home, particularly last year when the deputy president's sizable motorcade made itself known. In February last year, they allegedly stayed over for around six days ahead of the ANC's election manifesto launch in Durban. A picture shows Tembe and Mashatile together at St Paul's Anglican Church where the party was honouring those who lost their lives in a bus crash returning from the manifesto launch at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The manifesto launch was on 24 February, three weeks after the Lotto bid deadline. Tembe has been seen at Mashatile's side in public, including in May this year as part of the business delegation that accompanied the deputy president to France for an investment conference. 'Nothing to do with the deputy president' In a terse response to amaBhungane's questions, Mashatile's spokesperson, Keith Khoza, denied the deputy president interfered. 'He has nothing to do with the licence award process as it does not fall within the ambit of his delegated functions nor did he participate in any way, shape or form. Similarly, the business relationship with any of the parties involved has nothing to do with the [deputy president] and his wife.' Khoza did not respond to detailed questions about Mashatile's relationship with Tembe and the new lotto operator, nor whether he was briefed – formally or informally – on the lottery bid. National Lottery Commission spokesperson Rudzani Tshigemane referred questions to Tau's department, which did not respond to amaBhungane's query. Sizekhaya Holdings, answering on its, Bogatsu and Tembe's behalf, said it rejected 'with the utmost seriousness, any suggestion that our successful bid for the national lottery licence was influenced by political proximity'. Bellamont-Sizekhaya web Among numerous other business interests, Tembe directs 14 companies bearing the Bellamont name and is active in a wide swathe of economic activity. He has served as secretary-general of the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry, president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and board member of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK and KwaZulu-Natal National Business Initiative. He also co-chaired the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Coalition with then-premier Sihle Zikalala. Bogatsu, for her part, has co-directed three companies with her sister – Mashatile's wife – though they have since been deregistered, according to company registration records. Neither the size of Bogatsu and Tembe's respective stakes in Bellamont Gaming nor Bellamont's in Sizekhaya has been made public. Sizekhaya confirmed Bogatsu held shares in Bellamont. It said Bellamont in turn was a 'minority shareholder' in Sizekhaya and 'a legally compliant gaming entity'. Publicly available information records the Goldrush Group as Sizekhaya's largest shareholder, with 50%, which will reduce to 40% when a stake is issued to a government entity in line with licensing conditions. Goldrush is in turn 59.4% owned by JSE-listed Goldrush Holdings, whose shareholders include Mauritian-based Astoria Investments and local investors Jan van Niekerk and Piet Viljoen. Another notable figure in Sizekhaya is ANC-linked businessman Sandile Zungu. He was nominated for the position of ANC KwaZulu-Natal chair in 2022 but decided not to contest after speaking to ANC leaders. Zungu, like Tembe, accompanied Mashatile to France in May this year. The delegate list records Tembe as representing his Bellamont Investments and Zungu his Zungu Investments. It was a visit that later drew media scrutiny over Mashatile's travel expenses and the company the deputy president kept. The delegation included a businessman under scrutiny by Johannesburg Water, an amaBhungane investigation has found. Sizekhaya said Tembe and Zungu attended the investment conference 'at the formal invitation of the South African Ambassador to France, Mr Nathi Mthethwa' and that they were 'present as part of a longstanding national effort to promote foreign investment'. Sizekhaya did not respond directly to a question about Mashatile's alleged stay at Tembe's house before the ANC manifesto launch, but said Tembe 'has hosted and interacted with trade unionists, religious figures and political leaders across the spectrum, including the ANC, IFP, DA, EFF, MK Party – and yes, Deputy President Paul Mashatile'. Regarding a picture that shows Tembe and Mashatile together at St Paul's Anglican Church in Durban where the party honoured party faithful killed in a bus crash after the launch, it said Tembe had been invited by the presiding minister, his cousin Reverend Thami Tembe. 'This was a private family engagement of spiritual significance, and it would be inaccurate to attribute any political motive to it.' 'Never concealed' Sizekhaya dismissed any suggestion that the company's successful bid was tainted by political connections. 'This is a defamatory inference that maligns not only Mr Tembe's business integrity but also undermines the credibility of the regulatory and adjudication systems of the Republic of South Africa.' Sizekhaya also said Tembe 'has never concealed his association' with the deputy president: 'Given Mr Mashatile's public role as the country's second citizen and the scrutiny which accompanies it, it would be entirely illogical – if not impossible – to obscure any such association.' The Lotteries Act provides that 'no political party in the Republic or political office-bearer [must have] any direct financial interest in the applicant or a shareholder of the applicant' for a lottery licence. Sizekhaya said it had fully complied with the Act: 'No arrangements exist that confer a direct or indirect financial benefit to any political entity.' Bogatsu, it said, 'is not a political office bearer and is fully entitled to pursue any legitimate commercial interest'. Controversy The awarding of the fourth lottery licence has garnered significant public attention, which has focused also on the apparent political ties of other bidders. Political parties Build One South Africa (Bosa) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been outspoken on the issue. Bosa submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act application last October to access the identities of the people tasked with adjudicating the tender amid concerns of conflicts of interest. 'At R180-billion, the contract to operate the national lottery is the country's largest tender. Given the amount of money involved, the process followed requires a high duty of care to ensure no malfeasance or wrongdoing by any party involved,' Bosa deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster said. The EFF last year raised red flags including over the involvement of Tembe and Zungu in Sizekhaya. 'The minister's refusal to answer direct questions … raises serious concerns about the legitimacy and lawfulness of the process,' spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said. The process of the award has not been without struggle, plagued by delays and court challenges. In December last year, Tau said he had identified 'matters that require further evaluation' and postponed his decision. He cited the need to ensure that the licensee's owners and managers were fit and proper persons. 'In addition, I must ensure that no political party or political office-bearer has any direct financial interest in the applicant or a shareholder of the applicant,' he said. DM
IOL News
05-06-2025
- IOL News
Community outraged as family suspects hate crime in murder of Durban Deep pupil Likhona Fose
Scores of community members of Durban Deep, Roodepoort, and anti-GBV organisations came out in their numbers to support the grieving family of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, who was brutally mutilated and killed in the area this past week. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers City of Joburg Speaker, Nobuhle Mthembu and Executive Strategic Advisor to the MMC for Public Safety, David Tembe, visited the family of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, who was brutally murdered in Durban Deep, Roodepoort. Following the harrowing murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, Joburg residents woke up on Sunday to news that Likhona's lifeless body was discovered by a passer-by in the veld in Durban Deep, on the West Rand, with her genitals removed. Reports indicate that the family suspects hate crime to be the motive in the murder of the Grade 8 pupil, who identified as a lesbian. Tembe, who was greeted to protesting community members and anti-GBV activists, extended his condolences to the bereaved family, stating: "Her tragic and brutal killing, suspected to be linked to occult practices, has shaken the community. The city stands with the family during this time of immense grief, reaffirming its commitment to fighting heinous crimes and protecting the most vulnerable." 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Speaking to the grieving family, Mthembu decried the increase in the number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the country. "What laws need to be changed in this country so that we can feel protected? Every day, we wake up to something. Who must we apologise to so that this can stop? We can celebrate the country's democracy, but this democracy is not working for us women because we are the ones who are being killed," she said. MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, also extended his support to the family and the entire Durban Deep community, saying the city stands with them following Tembe's visit to the family. "We reaffirm our commitment to fighting heinous crimes and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. The Strategic Advisor to the MMC for Public Safety, David Tembe, visited the family to offer support and condolences. The city will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice," Tshwaku said.
