On December 12, 2023, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa held a grand reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa. Ambassador Chen Xiaodong and South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor attended and delivered speeches. Over 500 people were at the event, including Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe and Madame Gugu Motlanthe, ANC General Secretary Fikile Mbalula, nearly ten South African cabinet ministers such as Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana and Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu, friends from all walks of life, and representatives of Chinese-funded organizations and overseas Chinese in South Africa.

The reception opened with the national anthems of the two countries sung beautifully by the Chinese diplomats and their children. An introductory video was then played, reviewing the moments of friendly exchanges between the two countries and envisioning the bright future for China-South Africa cooperation.

In his speech, Ambassador Chen summarized the historic achievements and valuable experience in growing China-South Africa relations over the past 25 years. He emphasized that President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to South Africa in August this year, and he and President Ramaphosa ushered the bilateral relations into the Golden Era. China is ready to work with South Africa to earnestly implement our Heads of State’s important consensus, actively build partnerships on four aspects and join hands to build a high-level community with a shared future.

Minister Pandor offered her congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa. She positively remarked on how the relations have developed, and highly commended the outcomes of President Xi Jinping's state visit to South Africa. She said South Africa was ready to work with China to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all fields, and jointly create new achievements in the relations in the next 25 years.

Ambassador Chen and Minister Pandor unveiled the commemorative envelope on 25 years of China-South Africa relations, and jointly visited a thematic photo exhibition. Students from South Africa’s Confucius Institute and art school as well as the Chinese Art Group presented splendid dancing performances showcasing traditions of the two countries.