The People’s Republic of China has committed to assisting the South African government’s campaign to fight poverty and create jobs by attracting investors to invest in agriculture, agro-processing industries, connectivity and e-commerce to improve the lives of rural people.
China has chosen Nelson Mandela’s Mvezo birthplace as one of four rural areas in SA identified for development and co-operation between the two countries.
China will work with the Mandela royal house and help assist in maintaining Madiba’s legacy. They will also assist Nkosi Mandla Zwelivelile Mandela in developing Mvezo.
This was announced as Mandela on Sunday and Monday hosted Chinese ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian at his Mvezo Great Place, where they donated 54 computers and school materials, bags and stationary to local schools and the Mvezo Traditional Council. Monetary values nor time-frames were announced.
On Monday Lin, accompanied by a delegation of Eastern Cape Chinese businessmen, addressed Mvezo villagers, traditional leaders and King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality councillors.
“We will attract more investors and tourists to come here to see how we can do something together to create more jobs.
“We must equip the local people on how best they can use resources for commercial purposes. President Ramaphosa has a great vision to fight poverty and create job opportunities. He will get our strong support,” said the ambassador.
Lin pledged to help grow the commercial potential of Mvezo village in exporting some of the locally produced items, such as aloe and meat products.
He, however, expressed concern about the railway infrastructure, saying it was too old and slow.
The ambassador also said SA’s electricity infrastructure needed to be modernised...