Li Zhigong highlights KwaZulu-Natal's role in Sino-South African relations during National Day celebrations

During the celebrations marking the National Day of the 17th Republic of China and the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, Li Zhigong, the Chinese Consulate General in Durban, highlighted KwaZulu-Natal's important role as an economic and cultural hub in South Africa and as an essential foundation for Sino-South African cooperation.

The event was held at the Musgrave Hotel, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration among attendees. In his address, Zhigong stated, “In recent years, the collaboration between KwaZulu-Natal and China has steadily expanded across many sectors, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and education.”

He emphasized the positive impact of various projects undertaken by Chinese companies within the province, citing the ongoing progress of the EB Cloete Interchange and the N3 highway upgrade as exemplars of successful partnerships.

Moreover, the advancement of the NPC Cement Plant, through technological upgrades, has significantly contributed to local economic growth and improved livelihoods in the area. Demonstrating China's commitment to youth development, Zhigong noted that assistance in vocational skills training has increasingly benefited young people in KwaZulu-Natal, positioning them for better opportunities in a competitive job market.

The Consulate General also referenced recent visits from delegations from Fujian, Guangxi, and Xiamen provinces, which undertook in-depth discussions on agricultural technology, port logistics, and industrial cooperation. This exchange of ideas exemplifies the strengthening of ties between the two regions as they work towards mutual growth and development.

On the sidelines of the celebrations, KwaZulu-Natal’s Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Martin Meyers, spoke to the Daily News, revealing upcoming departmental projects aimed at creating climate-resilient infrastructure. Meyers expressed admiration for China’s innovation in technology that has placed it ahead in flood prevention measures and infrastructure development. 

“We will exchange our engineers; they must come together. We need to learn from their expertise,” he stated, underlining the urgency of adopting advanced techniques to confront the looming climate crisis.

Finance MEC Francois Rogers, also in attendance, echoed the need for solidifying relationships between the Chinese government and KwaZulu-Natal.“We had some fruitful engagement with the consulate that should not remain off the record,” he stated.

Rogers highlighted the critical importance of reviving the provincial economy to alleviate poverty and inequality, mentioning the province’s heavy expenditures on importing vehicles from China. “It raises the question: why don’t we manufacture these vehicles here?” he asked, probing for cooperative solutions that serve the interests of both nations.

As part of the broader effort to promote relations, Zhigong announced the upcoming visit of eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba to China, aimed at further solidifying partnerships. In addition, he highlighted the role of the Confucius Institute at the Durban University of Technology in fostering youth exchanges, laying a strong foundation for lasting cultural ties. “Currently, a delegation of teachers and students from the Beijing Dance Academy is visiting Durban, showcasing an enriching cultural performance that resonates with our shared history,” he expressed.

In closing, Zhigong extended his heartfelt gratitude to the KwaZulu-Natal government for its unwavering support and acknowledged the long standing contributions of the Chinese community in advancing the friendship between China and South Africa.