South Africa, nestled between the vast expanses of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, stands as a testament to enduring friendship and shared prosperity with China. This historical connection, once a crucial crossroads along ancient trade routes, has evolved into a multifaceted collaboration over the past 25 years, with a significant boost from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
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“The cooperation between China and South Africa has become a successful example of how the BRI dovetails with Africa’s development and enhances South-South cooperation.” says China’s Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong.
Decades of Friendship
China and South Africa share a deep-rooted friendship. Over the centuries, the waves of the sea have brought forth people-to-people exchange. More and more Chinese have traversed the oceans to South Africa, becoming the architects of a bridge that spans across cultures and time.
Wu Shaokang, Chairman of Southern Africa Canton, HK & Macau Commercial Liaison Association, has been in South Africa for almost 30 years. He came to South Africa before the establishment of China-South Africa diplomatic relations, and for decades, he has been an envoy of two countries’ trade relations.
Despite the challenges Wu has faced, he has successfully established and expanded his businesses in South Africa. Now, at the age of 65 and approaching time for retirement, Wu choose to continue to run his business, fueled by a desire to contribute more to the local community.
Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s BRICS Sherpa, underscores the historical nature of the relationship, emphasizing centuries of strong interaction between the African continent and China. He characterizes it as a friendship based on mutual trust, respect, and benefit – a true win-win cooperation. Sooklal expresses delight in having China as a friend that truly understands Africa’s needs.
Deeping Economic Ties
Much like Wu, an increasing number of Chinese entrepreneurs and companies have invested in South Africa, cementing the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
As more Chinese are venturing into South Africa, reciprocally, South Africans are finding opportunities in the vast landscape of China. Ndaba Ntsele, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Pamodzi Investment Holdings, describes China as his second home, highlighting plans to list companies both on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and in China, showcasing confidence and investment in China as well as its market.
China presently stands as South Africa’s largest global trading partner, and reciprocally, South Africa holds the distinction of being China’s foremost trading partner in Africa. Data from China’s Ministry of Commerce indicates that bilateral trade reached $56.74 billion in 2022, marking a 5 percent year-on-year increase and reaching an eight-year high.
Shared Growth and Brighter Future
The interactions between China and South Africa have transcended mere economic ties, transforming into a diverse collaboration that extends beyond commerce, fostering cooperation in culture, technology, and human exchanges.
Meanwhile, the close interactions and collaboration between China and South Africa not only breathe vitality into their respective prosperity but also inscribe a new chapter in the development narrative of the African continent.
David Monyae, Director of the Center for Africa China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, underscores the significance of the increasing number of the Chinese enterprises on the African continent, with majority situated in South Africa. This influx is opening up Africa for business, attracting companies from outside China and reshaping perceptions of Africa as an attractive market.
“This is also helping African continent to addresses poverty, unemployment, and the challenges faced by the large youth population,” Monyae added.
Sooklal also points out that on all fronts under the Belt and Road Initiative, China is a major factor in Africa’s development.
Over the past few decades, the relationship between China and South Africa has strengthened. Looking forward, fueled by mutual interests and trust, the China-South Africa relationship is poised to enter a new era, actively contributing to the rise of Africa.
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