The Confucius Institute at the Durban University of Technology in association with the Chinese Consulate General in Durban, Chinese Women Federation of KwaZulu-Natal and SD Chinese Language Centre hosted the KZN Chinese Spring Festival Gala Dinner on Wednesday, 16 January 2019 at the Sibaya Casino in Durban.
This mega gala event included the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese Consulate General in Durban.
The event was attended by various stakeholders including leaders in government, business and academia. Some of the esteemed guests included the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Durban University of Technology, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, eThekwini Municipality Deputy Mayor, Cllr Fawzia Peer and Amajuba District Municipality Mayor, Dr Musa Ngubane.
The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and it is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West.
Chinese Consulate General, Fei Mingxing said February 9 this year will mark the 20th anniversary since the Chinese Consulate General was launched in Durban. “Over the past 20 years, the Consulate General has been productive and fruitful in promoting friendship and mutual cooperation between the two countries and safeguarding legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions,” he said.
“I would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the Government of South Africa and KZN. Our thanks also goes out to friends from all walks of life including the local Chinese community and Chinese institutions. Thank you for your great support and valuable assistance throughout the past 20 years,” he added.
He said that since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and South Africa in 1998, this partnership has advanced from partnership to strategic partnership and to comprehensive strategic partnership. “In 2017, our two-way trade reached $39.17 billion, an increase of 26 folds from the beginning of our diplomatic relations; Chinese businesses have invested over US$25 billion in South Africa, an increase of over a hundred times from 1998, creating over 400,000 local jobs. KZN is one of the most important regions for our mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.
Director of the Confucius Institute (CI) at DUT, Frank Lin Wu applauded the Institute for its role in facilitating cultural and educational exchanges and strengthening relations between China and South Africa. “This event is also an opportunity to celebrate great achievements coming from this cooperation between China and South Africa,” he said.
Pictured: Frank Lin Wu addressing the KZN Chinese Spring Festival Gala Dinner.
Nduduzo Ndlovu
