China, S. Africa set to strengthen ties, amplifying Global South voices

Brotherly friendship tested by time

The sense of unity stemmed from China's support to the South African people in fighting apartheid, and standing with the African National Congress (ANC) as comrades and friends, said ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

Apart from strong ties of economic relationship, "it is a relationship that is formed by ties of anti-imperialism," said Mbalula in an interview with Xinhua on the eve of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to South Africa.

"President Xi's visit is one of comradeship between the two presidents in strengthening this important relationship which spends decades and decades of years between the African National Congress and the Communist Party of China," he added.

Xi arrived in South Africa on Monday to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and pay a state visit to South Africa.

In a meeting on Tuesday with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, Xi said that the key to the good relations between China and South Africa and their deep friendship lies in the fact that the two countries and the two parties share weal and woe on their respective development paths and have forged a profound friendship.

Ramaphosa described China as a sincere brother, friend and partner of his country, saying that China has provided valuable support to South Africa in the latter's struggle for national independence and liberation as well as its national development. He also mentioned China's timely support for his country during the COVID pandemic.

For Sifiso Mahlangu, editor-in-chief of South Africa's leading newspaper, The Star, South Africa and China have an unbreakable bond.

"Our history dictates that China has been our friend. The Chinese people, the People's Republic of China, and the Communist Party of China have been the friends of the South African people," said Mahlangu.