Latest news with #WuPeng
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Chinese scholarships awarded to South African students
The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, and the Chinese Embassy hosted a send-off ceremony for South African students who have been awarded Chinese government scholarships for 2025. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The Chinese Embassy in Pretoria hosted a send-off ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate South African students who received 2025 Chinese government scholarships, highlighting the importance of educational cooperation and cultural exchange. The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, congratulated the students on being awarded scholarships sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). A total of 11 South African students received the Chinese government scholarship, while eight students were awarded the Academic Education Programmes scholarship. The students were admitted to top-tier Chinese universities, pursuing degree programmes in fields essential to South Africa's national development, such as cybersecurity, engineering management, biological sciences, and healthcare. Wu encouraged them to immerse themselves in China's rich culture, witness its breathtaking landscapes, and experience the country's modern civilisation, including high-speed rail, digital payments, smart cities, and cutting-edge technologies. "Your experience will prove that choosing to study in China is the right decision," he said. He expressed appreciation to China's partners, including the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Basic Education. "Educational cooperation is an integral part of the China-South Africa All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era," Wu said. He said the Chinese government scholarship served as a vital source of momentum for people-to-people exchanges, supporting South African youth in broadening their horizons, enhancing their capacities, and realising their dreams. Thandazo Sithole, one of the scholarship recipients, expressed her excitement about starting her studies abroad. She said she had always dreamed of doing something special, particularly in innovation and technology, and saw this scholarship as an opportunity to pursue her aspirations. Sithole described the scholarship as more than just an academic opportunity, but a chance for access, representation, and rewriting the narrative for African youth. On behalf of her fellow recipients, she said: "We are not just going to China as students, we are going as ambassadors of our country. This is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture, learn cutting-edge skills, and gain new ideas that can help shape a better world." Sandisa Maqubela, deputy director at the Department of Higher Education and Training's National Skills Fund, said the partnership between the department and China began in 2012 with an agreement to send 10 students to China and Sweden. While she acknowledged the department's value for its strategic partnership with China, she also noted that the current intake of students for 2025 was relatively small. "As the National Skills Fund, we also like to increase the number to the numbers that we previously had. I think pre-Covid we had more than 50 students who were based in China. Our commitment is that we really want to increase the number of young South Africans who are keen to become part of the global economy," she said.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South African students awarded scholarships to study in China
The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, and the Chinese Embassy hosted a send-off ceremony for South African students who have been awarded Chinese government scholarships for 2025. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The Chinese Embassy in Pretoria hosted a send-off ceremony on Tuesday evening to celebrate South African students who received 2025 Chinese government scholarships, highlighting the importance of educational cooperation and cultural exchange. The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, congratulated students on being awarded the scholarships sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). A total of 11 South African students received the Chinese government scholarship, while eight students were awarded the Academic Education Programmes scholarship. The students were admitted to top-tier Chinese universities, pursuing degree programmes in fields essential to South Africa's national development, such as cybersecurity, engineering management, biological sciences, and healthcare. Wu encouraged them to immerse themselves in China's rich culture, witness its breathtaking landscapes, and experience the country's modern civilisation, including high-speed rail, digital payments, smart cities, and cutting-edge technologies. "Your experience will prove that choosing to study in China is the right decision," he said. He expressed appreciation to China's partners, including the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Basic Education. "Educational cooperation is an integral part of the China-South Africa All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era," Wu said. He said the Chinese government scholarship serves as a vital source of momentum for people-to-people exchanges, supporting South African youth in broadening their horizons, enhancing their capacities, and realising their dreams. Thandazo Sithole, one of the scholarship recipients, expressed her excitement about starting her studies abroad. She said she had always dreamed of doing something special, particularly in innovation and technology, and saw this scholarship as an opportunity to pursue her aspirations. Sithole described the scholarship as more than just an academic opportunity, but a chance for access, representation, and rewriting the narrative for African youth. On behalf of her fellow recipients, she said: "We are not just going to China as students, we are going as ambassadors of our country. This is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture, learn cutting-edge skills, and gain new ideas that can help shape a better world." Sandisa Maqubela, deputy director at the Department of Higher Education and Training's National Skills Fund, said the partnership between the department and the People's Republic of China began in 2012 with an agreement to send 10 students to China and Sweden. While she acknowledged the department's value for its strategic partnership with China, she also noted that the current intake of students for 2025 is relatively small. "As the National Skills Fund, we also like to increase the number to the numbers that we previously had. I think pre-Covid we had more than 50 students who were based in China. Our commitment is that we really want to increase the number of young South Africans who are keen to become part of the global economy," she said.
IOL News
01-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Chinese embassy hosts reception for 98th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army
Chinese embassy held a reception to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Image: Sinenhlanhla Masilela/ Independent Newspapers To celebrate this year's 98th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese embassy held a reception at their head offices in Pretoria. The gathering was attended by members from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as well as other military personnel from various countries. Speaking at the event on Friday, Ambassador of China to South Africa, Wu Peng, said over the past 98 years and under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the PLA has emerged from trials and tribulations and made an outstanding contribution to the liberation of the Chinese people. He said the PLA has made tremendous contributions to China's peaceful construction in safeguarding national sovereignty as well as security and development interests. Furthermore, he added that the Chinese military consistently serves as a resolute force in maintaining world peace and stability. "China firmly pursues peaceful development and exercises a national defence policy that is defensive in nature. The Chinese military actively fulfills our national responsibilities and obligations, extensively participates in national peace keeping counter-terrorism, maritime escort mission, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations," he added. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the world's second largest economy, he said China is committed to promoting multilateralism with the international community, as well as upholding international fairness and justice, and building a world of lasting peace and universal security. As BRICS members, ambassador Peng said China will continue working with South Africa to consolidate mutual political trust and firmly support each other by expanding exchanges at all levels. "This also includes deepening practical cooperation in various fields, and promoting greater development in bilateral and military relations, so as to make new and greater contributions to world peace, stability, and prosperity." Meanwhile, on the military side, the ambassador said the PLA and the SANDF continue to enjoy constant exchanges at all levels. "Practical cooperation between the two militaries achieved remarkable results, giving strong support to development of bilateral ties. China and South Africa enjoy time-honoured and ever-growing friendship and partnership. We also share the same aspirations and work to achieve mutual benefit. Our exchanges and cooperation in various fields continue to expand, which benefits the people of both countries," he said. 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 for the SANDF, Defence Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa said since it was established in August 1972, the PLA has grown into one of the world's most modern and capable armed forces, grounded in discipline, innovation, and the spirit of national service. He said the PLA's journey has been marked the beginning of a journey characterised by resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and development of China. Moreover, he said South Africa and China are bound by a history of shared struggle and solidarity. "We deeply value the support China provided during South Africa's liberation movement, and the principled friendship it has maintained in the years since. The legacy of this solidarity was captured in the words of our founding father, Nelson Mandela, who described China as a steadfast partner in the fight against apartheid. "He believed that the bonds of brotherhood forged in struggle must become the foundation for partnerships in peace and development. Today, we carry that vision forward in our cooperation across all sectors, including defence. "Defence cooperation between our countries has grown steadily and meaningfully. Joint military training exercises, high-level visits, capacity building, and knowledge exchange are tangible demonstrations of our strategic partnership," said Holomisa. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Turning declarations into deliverables: South Africa's BRICS 2025 Challenge
For South Africa, the BRICS 2030 horizon offers not just hope, but a promising future, writes Ayanda Holo. Image: IOL / AI By Ayanda Holo Beneath the glittering chandeliers of the Bank of China building in Johannesburg, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng addressed a gathering of investors, policymakers, and technocrats. At his side sat South Africa's Deputy Finance Minister Dr David Masondo, a key architect of the government's economic recovery and structural reform agenda. The occasion marked the release of the Chinese Investor Survey, a moment that revealed not only the depth of Sino-South African relations but also the lingering bottlenecks that continue to hinder what could be a transformative partnership. Ambassador Wu's tone was both celebratory and cautionary. Over 200 Chinese enterprises have injected more than $11 billion into South Africa, creating jobs, taxes, and valuable industrialisation footprints. Yet, despite this progress, the Ambassador pointedly highlighted recurring frustrations: the slow and sometimes opaque processing of work visas for essential engineers and managers and the heightened security threats to Chinese nationals. These issues, he suggested, could jeopardise investor confidence unless addressed with urgency and sincerity. At the heart of his speech was a subtle but potent reference to Declaration 42 of the BRICS 2025 Strategy, which states: "We welcome the results of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025… and look forward to the conclusion and implementation of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, which will… guide cooperation on issues relating to the Multilateral Trading System, Digital Economy, International Trade, Financial Cooperation and Sustainable Development." This strategy is not just a document, but a roadmap to our future. This forward-looking blueprint aims to deepen the ties that bind BRICS nations, with South Africa poised to benefit as a regional gateway for Asia–Africa trade. But such ambitions rest precariously on domestic execution. 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 The Visa Conundrum: When Policy Fails Practice A compelling case in point emerged from a significant $200 million investment project in the Eastern Cape, a region with great potential for economic growth. The project procured high-grade industrial equipment from Yangzhou Metal Forming Machine Tool Co. The firm dispatched three highly skilled engineers to oversee installation and training. Despite submitting complete documentation to VFS Global, including verified invitation letters from their South African host, the engineers were denied work visas for several months. This delay was not only an administrative embarrassment but also a tangible blow to investor confidence. The engineers were essential to commissioning a production line that was central to the project's ROI timeline. The months-long delay undermined the "open the way" vision of Operation Vulindlela, a flagship reform programme by the South African Presidency and Treasury designed to reduce red tape for investors. Is Operation Vulindlela truly living up to its name? According to a recent SA Government News release dated March 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced improvements to fast-track visa applications for investors and critical skills workers. A new "Trusted Employer Scheme" was also piloted with large multinationals and BRICS-partner firms in mind. Yet the Eastern Cape incident underscores a gap between policy and implementation, a chasm where projects stall, costs rise, and goodwill wanes. From Zero-Tariffs to Zero-Tolerance on Inefficiency China's recent announcement to provide zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries via the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development is a tectonic shift in global trade patterns. It gives African manufacturers and agricultural producers unprecedented access to the world's second-largest economy. And South Africa, with its mature logistics, industrial base, and financial institutions, is uniquely positioned to lead this integration. But it must not allow procedural inertia to squander strategic advantages. This is particularly critical in sectors like automotive components, green energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, where Chinese investment has surged. Each of these sectors requires the temporary importation of technical personnel, often on tight deadlines to transfer knowledge and integrate systems. Ambassador Wu's call for smoother visa processes is therefore not a favour to China, but a necessary step if South Africa is serious about its BRICS role. It's not just about accommodating Chinese investors, but about creating an environment where all BRICS nations can thrive, boosting South Africa's economy and global influence. A Catalogue of Cooperation It is worth reminding readers of the many bilateral and multilateral agreements that underpin this evolving relationship. These include: The China-South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement (2010).The FOCAC Beijing Action Plan 2019–2025 The Belt and Road MOU, signed in 2015, focuses on infrastructure Investment Treaties and Double Taxation Agreements, protecting investor rights The Annual SA-China High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism, encouraging cultural, academic, and tech innovation links. Each of these frameworks, including the 2025 BRICS Economic Strategy, calls for the removal of administrative and logistical barriers that impede the flow of capital, of people, of ideas. What Must Change? If Pretoria is to maintain credibility within BRICS and its reform agenda, several actions are urgent: Mandate real-time escalation channels for work visa cases tied to investment projects over R50 and enforce the Trusted Employer Scheme beyond pilot status. Include a BRICS Investor Fast Lane under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).Publish quarterly Operation Vulindlela scorecards, with measurable impact on investor facilitation. As Ambassador Wu concluded, "Challenges are part of development." But challenges left unaddressed become liabilities. For South Africa, the BRICS 2030 horizon offers not just hope, but a promising future. Whether that promise becomes reality depends not on declarations from abroad, but on decisions made at home. * Ayanda Holo is the President of TV BRICS AFRICA ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Chinese ambassador urges SA youth to seize tariff-free trade opportunities
Wu Peng encouraged young South Africans to engage in trade, study and skills development under China's new initiatives. Chinese ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng has challenged the country's youth to use the opportunities arising from China's tariff-free trade initiative offered to all African countries. Speaking during the 'China-South Africa Youth Exchange Night', Wu said China and SA have now established a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. Youth exchanges Over 200 Chinese companies were 'active, investing, hiring and building in the country', he said. Wu also raised the significance of youth exchange between South Africa and China, including studying, training and exploring business opportunities. 'Young people are the future and hope of a nation. China has always believed in the power of youth and we support exchange and learning between young people from China and the Global South,' Wu said. ALSO READ: China's clever trade deal with Africa – removal of tariffs on most goods Shared 'values' While South Africa's philosophy of Ubuntu emphasised compassion and shared humanity, China believed in harmony, community, and helping one another. 'These values bring our two countries close,' he said. Other speakers included Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Letsike and special economic advisor to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Gadija Brown. The audience also watched a Chinese film, Ordinary Hero, based on a true story, about a group of young people coming together to save a child's life, emphasising the significance of Chinese teamwork, care and kindness. NOW READ: Western media bias: how imperial narratives shape global perceptions
