Recalling the spirit of 1976, Youth in dialogue, discovery and diplomacy

PRETORIA, South Africa - The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in South Africa paid tribute to the fearless youth of 16 June 1976 with a lively cultural and diplomatic event entitled "China-South Africa Youth Exchange Evening". The event, organised in collaboration with the National Press Club, served not only to commemorate a defining moment in South Africa's liberation struggle, but also to inspire a new generation to tackle today's global challenges through unity, creativity and cooperation.

16 June 1976 marked a watershed moment in the history of South Africa. Young students, resisting brutal oppression, took to the streets to demand a voice in shaping their own future. Their courage sparked a movement that eventually contributed to the dismantling of apartheid. Today, nearly five decades later, youth around the world continue to face enormous challenges - growing inequality, unemployment, conflict, the climate crisis and digital overload.

Many young people feel isolated, unheard and disillusioned in a world of changing geopolitics and fragmented societies. In response, the "China-South Africa Youth Exchange Evening" provided a hopeful counter-argument - one that presents youth as catalysts for change through education, culture and international cooperation.

The evening was dedicated to the launch of the new book "China Through My Eyes - A Young South African's Journey to China", authored by Michael Andisile Mayalo, a 2022 Dongfang Scholar at Peking University. His narrative offers a deeply personal view of Chinese society, values and rapid development - a story of learning, friendship and shared humanity. "This book is a beautiful example of the connection and understanding between our two countries," said Ambassador Wu Peng, who praised Mayal's work as a bridge between nations and cultures.

After the book launch, guests were treated to a screening of the Chinese film "Ordinary Hero", a moving true story of teamwork and sacrifice that showcases the values of solidarity, compassion and youth leadership. Through the lens of cinematography, the film offered the South African audience a glimpse into the heart of Chinese society and reflected values deeply shared with the South African philosophy of Ubuntu.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Wu reflected on the importance of youth engagement and outlined four guiding principles for building a brighter future: Connection, Capacity, Culture and Collaboration. "Young people are the future and hope of the nation," he said. "We must connect across borders, learn from each other and work together - not only for our own growth, but for global peace and prosperity."

Chinese investments in youth development in Africa include:

• Future African Vocational Training Initiative
• Support for 10 new workshops in Luban
• 60,000 training opportunities over the next three years targeting youth and women
• New frameworks for Sino-African trade and economic cooperation, including duty-free access for African exports

The Ambassador noted that these efforts aim to build both "soft" and "hard" skills and empower young people with tools for innovation, entrepreneurship and global citizenship. Notable speakers included Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike of the Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, who through a video call emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue and international solidarity in creating safer and more inclusive spaces for youth. He praised the partnership between China and South Africa as a model of development diplomacy rooted in mutual respect and people-to-people relations.

Also speaking to the audience was Gadija Brown, Advisor to Vice President Paul Mashatile, who highlighted the role of youth exchanges, education and storytelling in reshaping Africa's future. Brown praised initiatives such as Mayal's book as "acts of self-discovery that shape the collective imagination." As young South Africans and Chinese mingled, exchanged ideas, and imagined a shared future, the spirit of 1976 was palpably alive, not only in memories but in renewed determination. Through culture, education and friendship, the event reminded participants that youth are not only heirs to past struggles, but also architects of a more humane and connected world.

At a time when many young people feel abandoned or overwhelmed by global uncertainty, this event offered an antidote: the promise of shared learning, opportunity and hope. "There is a Chinese proverb," Ambassador Wu concluded, "A trusted friend from afar brings a distant country closer. May today's event be more than just a meeting. May it become a bridge - of ideas, of cultures, of friendship."

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