On October 9, the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg hosted a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. About 300 guests joined the celebration, including Speaker of Gauteng Provincial Legislature Ms. Morakane Mosupyoe, Gauteng MEC for Environment Mr. Ewan Botha, MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Ms. Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, and Free State MEC for Sports, Arts, Cultrue and Recreation Ms. Ntombizanele Sifuba, and other local government and legislative officials, representitives from political parties, business, academia, media, Chinese communities and institutions, and consular corps.

In his speech, Consul General Mr. Pan Qingjiang reviewed the achievements of China over the past 77 years, highlighted the four global initiatives China has proposed, outlined the positive development of China-South Africa relations and the achievements of sub-national exchanges and cooperation. He reaffirmed the readiness to enhance communication and engagement with all sectors in Gauteng and Free State, and to jointly write a new chapter in the friendly and cooperative relations between China and South Africa.

In their remarks, Ms. Mosupyoe, Mr. Botha on behalf of Premier of Gauteng and Ms. Sifuba on behalf of Premier of Free State spoke highly of China's development achievements and China's contributions to global peace and development, and expressed their willingness to deepen the sub-national exchanges and cooperation and to advance South Africa-China relations towards new progress.

The reception was filled with friendly and warm atmosphere, featuring colorful presentations and performances showcasing the cultural traditions of China and South Africa and the bilateral cooperation.