On October 17, Consul General Pan Qingjiang attended the School Soccer Coaching Initiative Launch hosted by the Gauteng Department of Education(GDE). The event was attended by about 200 people, including Mr. Lebogang Maile, MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation of Gauteng Provincial Government, Mr. Pitso Mosimane, South Africa Soccer National Team Coach, and representatives of the sports sector as well as teachers and learners from schools in eastern Johannesburg.

In his speech, Mr. Pan spoke highly of the time-honored friendship between China and South Africa, and emphasized that both countries attach great importance to education and youth development. He hoped that this cooperation would empower youth through sport and foster a social environment conducive to the development of education and the growth of youth.

Mr. Maile thanked the Consulate for its support, and expressed his willingness to further strengthening communication, promoting people-to-people exchanges between South Africa and China, especially deepening youth exchanges and cooperation in the field of education.