The Chinese Consul-General in Johannesburg has once again reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening relations with South Africa by investing in youth development and culture exchange.
Speaking at the DEC Short Video Competition Awarding Ceremony held at the Chinese Consulate General in Sandhurst on Friday (August 14), Chinese Consul General Pan Qingjiang praised learners from Gauteng and the Free State for showcasing the growing relationship between the two countries through creative storytelling.
The event formed part of the Consulate’s “Driving Education Culture” initiative and celebrated the theme “South Africa & China: More Connected Than We Think.”
Pan said the competition, now in its fourth consecutive year, attracted enthusiastic participation from learners who demonstrated creativity, thoughtful reflection and an appreciation of the benefits of China-South Africa cooperation.
He thanked the Gauteng and Free State Departments of Education, teachers, parents, the University of Johannesburg Confucius Institute and other partners for supporting the initiative and encouraging learners to participate.
The Consul General described the competition as an important contribution to the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.
He said young people are becoming vital ambassadors in strengthening friendship and understanding between China and Africa.
The initiative encouraged learners in Grades 8 to 12 to create a two- to three-minute video showcasing cultural, educational, economic, technological, or social links between the two countries.
Highlighting the broader relationship between the two nations, Pan said China has remained South Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with bilateral trade exceeding US$53.5 billion. He added that Chinese investment in South Africa has surpassed US$11.7 billion, with nearly 300 Chinese companies operating locally and supporting more than 400,000 jobs across sectors including infrastructure, manufacturing, mineral processing, renewable energy and the digital economy.
Pan also stressed the importance of education and youth empowerment, noting that 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising. He said the courage and resilience shown by South African youth continue to inspire generations and provide a strong foundation for educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The Chinese Consul-General will continue working with government and community partners to organise programmes that promote education, support youth development and deepen friendship between young South Africans and Chinese citizens.
Concluding his address, Pan invited more young South Africans to visit and study in China, encouraging them to excel academically and become future leaders who strengthen cooperation between the two nations.
“We welcome young South Africans to visit and study in China,” he said, expressing hope that they would become ambassadors of the enduring friendship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.
