Gauteng Legislature Speaker Highlights China Collaboration at Lunar New Year Celebration

This week, the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Morakane Mosupyoe, attended a prestigious Lunar New Year event in Sandton, Johannesburg, where she highlighted the continued growth of ties between Gauteng and China. The event, hosted by Consul-General of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang, celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year, which marks a time of renewal, unity, and hope.

In her speech, Mosupyoe praised the longstanding partnership between Gauteng and the People’s Republic of China. She noted that collaboration in various sectors, including trade, education, culture, and infrastructure development, has brought immense value to the province and its people. “The ties between Gauteng and the People’s Republic of China have grown stronger over the years. Our collaboration has been mutually beneficial, and it continues to open new avenues for growth,” Mosupyoe said.

One of the key highlights of the evening was the fusion of South African and Chinese cultures, which was demonstrated in the performances and interactions at the event. Mosupyoe acknowledged that both nations share values such as the importance of family, hard work, and the pursuit of progress, which resonate deeply with both South African and Chinese communities.

A particularly touching moment at the celebration was the recognition of the Chinese community’s generous donation towards settling outstanding student debt in Gauteng. This donation, amounting to R500,000, reflects the Chinese community’s commitment to education and youth empowerment in South Africa.

In her remarks, Mosupyoe also addressed some of the pressing issues facing Gauteng, including challenges in the education sector, such as inadequate school infrastructure. She called for greater collaboration with businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure better opportunities for the province’s learners.

The event also featured speeches from other dignitaries, including Pan Qingjiang, who emphasized the growing relationship between China and South Africa, particularly the strengthened strategic partnership between President Xi Jinping of China and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. Pan Qingjiang highlighted that this relationship is not only marked by political cooperation but also practical exchanges in various fields, such as trade and culture.

The Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on January 29, 2025, is the most significant traditional festival in China. The festivities are set to continue until the Lantern Festival in mid-February. This year, the animal symbol of the Chinese zodiac is the snake, a symbol of wisdom, wealth, longevity, and prosperity.

The event in Sandton marked a continuing commitment to building a deeper, multifaceted relationship between Gauteng and China, with both parties looking forward to the opportunities the year ahead holds for further cooperation and mutual growth.

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