Landmark Global South Dialogue Explores China-Africa Ties in Kempton Park Round Table
Kempton Park, Gauteng – Thought leaders, policymakers, and experts from across Africa and China gathered today for a landmark round table discussion on strengthening ties between the two regions. Hosted by the National School of Government under the Department of Public Service and Administration, along with the Global South, the event in Kempton Park aims to build on 25 years of partnership. With a focus on shared growth and challenges, the talks come at a key time as Africa seeks deeper economic links and cultural exchanges with China. Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, as co-convenor of the Global South Dialogue, is leading the day-long session, which brings fresh ideas to the table for sustainable development ahead of major global forums.
The initiative, part of a broader series to boost South-South cooperation, draws on past successes like joint projects in agriculture and technology. By tackling real issues like governance reforms and media roles, the dialogue sets the stage for stronger bonds that could lift communities and economies. As China remains Africa’s top trading partner, with deals worth billions in infrastructure and trade, events like this help shape a fairer future for both sides.
Event Highlights: A Platform for Open Talks
Held under the theme “Working Together for the Revitalization of the Global South: Co-creating the Path to G20 Sustainable Development,” the round table provides a space for honest chats on what lies ahead for China and South Africa. The event aims to foster dialogue and collaboration between China and Africa, explore opportunities for economic cooperation and development, address challenges and solutions in the China-Africa partnership and promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Co-hosted by the Global Times, the National School of Government of South Africa, and the Centre for Public Policy and African Studies at the University of Johannesburg, the gathering runs as a day-long session. It kicked off with opening remarks from Minister Buthelezi, setting a tone of teamwork. Dozens of guests from political, academic, media, and business circles in China and Africa joined in, sharing views on how to make the most of their ties. This setup ensures diverse voices, from government officials to young professionals, help craft practical steps forward.
The Global South Dialogue initiative serves as a platform for promoting South-South cooperation and fostering dialogue on global issues. This event is part of a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening relations between China and Africa, building on forums like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation that have driven investments in roads, ports, and tech across the continent.
Key Discussions: Building a Shared Future
The talks zero in on three main areas that highlight the depth of China-Africa teamwork. First, on shared capacity, experts dive into China-Africa cooperation in agriculture, science, and technology. This looks at how joint efforts can boost food security, with China sharing know-how in high-yield crops and smart farming tools. For instance, past projects have helped African farmers use better seeds and irrigation, cutting hunger in rural spots. In science and tech, the focus is on innovation hubs that train young Africans in AI and renewable energy, creating jobs and skills for the future.
Next, the shared vision tackles strengthening multilateral governance and the path to UN reform. Here, delegates discuss how Africa and China can push for fairer global rules, like more seats for developing nations at the UN. This ties into calls for changes that give the Global South a bigger say in world affairs, addressing issues like climate change and trade barriers that hit poorer countries hardest.
Finally, the shared future spotlights the role of young media professionals in China-Africa cooperation. This explores how storytellers and journalists can bridge cultures, sharing positive tales of partnership to counter negative views. By training young reporters, the aim is to build trust and highlight wins like Chinese-built hospitals or African exports to China.
These topics align with broader goals, such as the role of the Global South in global governance, the media’s role in development and revitalization, China-Africa agricultural and economic cooperation, technological innovation, strengthening the cooperation of the Global South in an era of transformation, promoting institutional innovation and mutual learning of experiences, and contributing China-Africa wisdom and solutions to sustainable development and to global governance.
Quotes and Insights from Leaders
NSG Principal Phindile Mkwanazi captured the excitement: “We are excited to co-host this session which brings together diverse perspectives and expertise to shape the narrative on China-South Africa relations. The round table discussion is a crucial step towards fostering greater understanding, cooperation, and mutual benefit between China and South Africa.”
Minister Buthelezi, guiding the talks, stressed the need for action that benefits all. His role as co-convenor shows South Africa’s push to lead in Global South matters, drawing on its history of bridging continents.
From the Chinese side, views shared in early sessions highlighted quick wins in agriculture, like tech transfers that have raised yields in places like Ethiopia and Kenya by up to 30%. Academic inputs from the University of Johannesburg added depth, noting how UN reforms could unlock funding for African projects.
Significance: Revitalising the Global South
This dialogue matters because it puts Africa at the heart of global talks, especially as the world shifts towards multipolar power. Against a backdrop of rapid change, countries in the Global South are stepping up with confidence in governance and economy. “Ensuring that stories from the Global South are heard more widely around the world and establishing a high-level, multi-dimensional platform for intellectual exchange and policy coordination are of great importance to both China and Africa,” as noted in event overviews.
For South Africa, it builds on strong ties with China, its top trade partner since 2009, with deals in mining, tech, and green energy. The event boosts South-South unity, helping tackle shared woes like poverty and climate impacts. By focusing on youth and media, it ensures long-term bonds, with young pros shaping narratives that promote peace and growth.
In a wider sense, it contributes to G20 goals for sustainable development, where Africa seeks fairer deals on debt and tech access. Past forums like FOCAC have led to real gains, such as billions in loans for infrastructure, creating jobs and better links.
Looking Ahead: Building Lasting Ties
The round table is just one link in a chain of efforts to deepen China-Africa bonds. Future plans include more sessions on innovation and governance, with outcomes feeding into events like the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue. By working together, the partners aim to offer wisdom on global issues, from UN reforms to green tech.
As the day wraps up, the hope is for concrete steps, like joint training programmes or trade pacts, that lift people out of poverty. With Africa’s young population and China’s expertise, this partnership could drive the Global South’s revival, making it a force for good in a changing world.
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