The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Honourable Zizi Kodwa, recently hosted a successful bilateral meeting with Honourable Zhao Long, the Governor of China’s Fujian province. The meeting, held at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria on Monday, September 18, 2023, aimed to strengthen the already robust ties between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, particularly in the realms of sport and culture.
Minister Kodwa expressed his deep appreciation to China for its active participation in key events, including the BRICS Ministers of Sport Meeting in Durban in July and the 15th BRICS Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg, in August 2023.
One of the highlights of this collaboration is the eagerly anticipated BRICS Games scheduled to take place in South Africa from October 18 to 21, 2023. This multi-sport event is set to showcase a wide range of sporting disciplines, including tennis, table tennis, beach volleyball, swimming, and badminton. Minister Kodwa expressed particular enthusiasm for the badminton competition, citing the impressive badminton prowess of China’s Fujian Province. South Africa hopes for an exhilarating showdown between their teams and Fujian’s athletes in this sport during the Games.
Fujian Province, known for its strong presence in the world of badminton, is also home to Kelme, a prominent sportswear company that has actively supported sports teams in South Africa. Governor Long emphasized Fujian’s remarkable development and growth and its wealth of knowledge in both theory and practice, reflecting the province’s commitment to fostering strong sporting ties.
Minister Kodwa highlighted the enduring relationship between South Africa and China, emphasizing that their collaboration in sports mirrors the broader partnership based on mutual respect, shared objectives, and a dedication to the well-being and development of their respective peoples.
In addition to the sporting ties, both sides discussed avenues for cultural exchanges and partnerships, recognizing the role of culture as a bridge between nations.
This successful bilateral meeting serves as a testament to the strength of the South Africa-China relationship and underscores the importance of sports and culture in fostering international cooperation. As South Africa gears up to host the BRICS Games in October, all eyes will be on the exciting competitions that will further solidify these ties on the playing field.
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