South Africa Week in China

Celebrating a Decade of Diplomatic Relations

Guangzhou, 7 April, 2008 – The launch of South Africa Week in China was announced today in the capital of Guangdong Province by South African Minister of Agriculture, Ms. Lulama Xingwana. South Africa Week is designed to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.

South Africa Week was launched with a Gala Dinner hosted at the Garden Hotel for senior Guangdong and Guangzhou Government, business, cultural and academic dignitaries.  

The South Africa Week events, in addition to the Gala Dinner, include a fashion and jewellery show displaying the country’s cutting-edge design capabilities, wine tasting showcasing its world leading brands, cultural performances exhibiting the country’s indigenous arts, and a food and wine week showcasing its unique indigenous cuisine at the Cascades Café`, Garden Hotel, from 7-12 April. The Week will be rounded off with the celebration of the country’s Freedom (National) Day that will include elements of all of the above mentioned activities. South Africa Week will furthermore be hosted in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

Following participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the South African Government will roll-out the second phase of the 10th Anniversary programme in October/November that will be more focused on trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

In a speech delivered by South African Agricultural Minister Lulama Xingwana, she stated: ”This unprecedented year-long series of events has been endorsed at the highest levels of Government in South Africa. It bears testimony to the importance that we place on our partnership with China and illustrates the ever-increasing range and depth of political, economic, financial, social, and cultural relations that we enjoy together. “

In conclusion the Minister stated: “Let us celebrate the warm, friendly and mutually beneficial relationship that we have as South Africa and China – a relationship that is based on mutual respect and trust, and that is underpinned by a commitment to the One China Policy on our part.”  

Brief overview of South Africa – China diplomatic relations:

• The Republic of South Africa and the People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations on January 1, 1998
• Vice President Thabo Mbeki visits China in April 1998 
• February 1999, Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao visits South Africa
• May 1999, South African President Nelson Mandela pays a State Visit to China
• April 2000, Chinese President Jiang Zemin pays a reciprocal State Visit to South Africa
• President Mbeki pays a State Visit to China in December 2001, and on a second occasion during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation in November 2006
• President Hu Jintao pays a State Visit to South Africa in February 2007 as part of an eight nation African tour

South Africa Week Itinerary:

For more information about South Africa Week, please contact:

Schoeman Du Plessis
Counsellor
Tel:      +86 10 6532 0171 ext. 418
Email:  duplessis@saembassy.org.cn

Yang Menghan
Weber Shandwick
Tel:      +86 10 8580 2022-151
Email:  mhyang@webershandwick.com