On December 20, 2023, Ambassador Chen Xiaodong and South African Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu visited the Kgomo Kgomo village in Moretele, North West Province, and attended a donation event at a China-aided poverty alleviation pilot village. 

In his speech, Ambassador Chen said that China and South Africa enjoy a “comradeship plus brotherhood” special bond, and that poverty alleviation is an important component of the bilateral cooperation. In August this year, during his state visit to South Africa, President Xi Jinping said that China is ready to enhance experience sharing with South Africa, assist it in implementing the poverty alleviation pilot village project, and work with it to build a high-level community with a shared future. It is believed that with the joint efforts of the two sides, the poverty alleviation pilot project in Kgomo Kgomo will move forward at a faster pace and achieve success, and become a new symbol for China-South Africa friendship and cooperation.

Minister Zulu expressed her gratitude for China's generous donation, and highly appreciated China's remarkable achievements in poverty reduction. She said China's long-term support for South Africa's efforts to improve people's livelihoods reflects the Chinese people's friendship with the South African people. South Africa looks forward to deepening exchanges and cooperation with China, so as to achieve new progress in poverty reduction and rural development.

Officials of the Moretele Municipality and residents of the Kgomo Kgomo village warmly welcomed Ambassador Chen, saying it is heart-warming to receive food hampers donated by China as the festive season is approaching. They thanked China for its help and support in South Africa’s poverty reduction and social development, and looked forward to learning poverty reduction experience from China for their own development.