South African youth explore China to challenge misconceptions
Image: Oupa Mokoena/ Independent Newspapers
South African young people have been motivated to take a leap of faith and visit China firsthand to dispel common misconceptions about the country often reported in the media.
This transpired during the China-South Africa Youth Exchange event at the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria, where local young people networked with their Chinese peers over dinner.
In attendance were the ANC youth league and South African Student Congress and other organisations as well as young diplomats from the Chinese embassy.
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, expressed his desire to see more young people from South Africa travelling to China for study and work opportunities.
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The event's purpose, he said, was to bridge the gap between South African and Chinese youth, encouraging more local young people to visit China, gain a deeper understanding of the country, and return with open minds and hearts.
'Young people are the future and hope of the nation. China has always believed in the power of youth and we support exchanges of learning between China and young people from the global South, including South Africa,' he said.
He noted that his government has provided scholarships to many South African students who have travelled to China to study over the years.
Michael Mayalo, one of the students, was celebrated at the event for his book "China Through My Eyes", which was launched to coincide with the occasion.
Wu said the book shares Mayalo's personal story, detailing what he saw and experienced during his time in China.
'This book is a beautiful example of connections of understanding between China and South Africa. I hope it will inspire more young South Africans to go to China to study, travel or work and see the real China for yourselves,' he said.
Young author Michael Mayalo described his debut book "China Through My Eyes" as a personal masterpiece during its launch at the China-South Africa Youth Exchange event in Pretoria.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/ Independent Newspapers
He added that the second key aspect is capacity building, noting that young people worldwide are keen on learning and securing jobs.
In China, the manufacturing sector is fundamental, and the country prioritises initiatives like digital development, transformation, and vocational training to equip youth with innovative skills, he said.
One of the highlights of the event was the screening of a Chinese film called Ordinary Hero which is based on a true story about young people coming together to save a child's life.
Wu said China has been South Africa's largest trading partner for 16 years and that South Africa is China's largest trading partner in Africa, with over 200 Chinese companies actively operating in the country.
Mayalo described "China Through My Eyes" as a personal masterpiece, detailing his experiences as a student in China, marked by cultural awakening and a profound discovery of shared humanity.
'The book is just not a project, it is a reflection of a deeply personal journey,' he said.
He said studying in China had a profound impact on him, transforming him intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
'As I saw a country rooted in ancient wisdom yet moving boldly towards a future, I engaged with fellow students who were curious-driven and proud of their heritage. I experienced traditions that stretched back 1,000 of years but also a conversation that felt impeccably modern at that moment,' he said.
He said the book invites fellow Africans and South Africans to look beyond the headlines, sharing that before heading to China, he felt exasperated by the misinformation published about the country.
Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities sent a supportive message via video link, describing the book as a story of courage, discovery, and global citizenship, written from the lived experience of a visionary young person.
'Michael's journey from South Africa to Peking University in China reflects what is possible when young people dare to dream across borders. His reflection challenges us to build between cultures, continents and communities and to see the world not through a lens of defence but through a lens of connection. This book arrives during a powerful time in our shared history as Africa and China continue to deepen diplomatic and educational and economic ties. It is young people who must lead the way in shaping a more inclusive and cooperative future,' she said.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za
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