President Ramaphosa Extends Lunar New Year Greetings as South Africa Celebrates the Year of the Snake
As the world celebrates the 2025 Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed warm wishes to the People’s Republic of China. He expressed his pleasure in sending greetings on the commencement of the Year of the Snake, which begins on January 29, 2025.
According to reports, travelers arriving at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng were welcomed with vibrant festivities, including drums, African traditional dancing, and celebratory Chinese chanting. The event, organized by the China Media Group, featured the Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang, and members of the local Chinese community, creating a festive atmosphere for both South Africans and visitors.
Ramaphosa expressed hope that the Year of the Snake would bring prosperity, particularly in trade relations with China. He extended good wishes to the Chinese community in South Africa and emphasized the importance of Chinese trade and investment partners in contributing to the South African economy. He expressed confidence that under President Xi Jinping's leadership, China would continue to be a source of wisdom and shared prosperity globally.
Pan Qingjiang highlighted the significance of the Spring Festival, stating that it is the most important traditional Chinese festival. He noted that the event at the airport showcased a fusion of Chinese and South African cultures, fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
Liu Ningchuan, CFO of FAW South Africa, reflected on the companys 30-year journey in the South African market, noting its growth from a small operation to the leading commercial vehicle supplier in the country, now employing over 450 workers. The celebrations at the airport and previous events in Sandton underscore the strong ties between South Africa and China as they usher in the Lunar New Year.
According to reports, travelers arriving at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng were welcomed with vibrant festivities, including drums, African traditional dancing, and celebratory Chinese chanting. The event, organized by the China Media Group, featured the Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang, and members of the local Chinese community, creating a festive atmosphere for both South Africans and visitors.
Ramaphosa expressed hope that the Year of the Snake would bring prosperity, particularly in trade relations with China. He extended good wishes to the Chinese community in South Africa and emphasized the importance of Chinese trade and investment partners in contributing to the South African economy. He expressed confidence that under President Xi Jinping's leadership, China would continue to be a source of wisdom and shared prosperity globally.
Pan Qingjiang highlighted the significance of the Spring Festival, stating that it is the most important traditional Chinese festival. He noted that the event at the airport showcased a fusion of Chinese and South African cultures, fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
Liu Ningchuan, CFO of FAW South Africa, reflected on the companys 30-year journey in the South African market, noting its growth from a small operation to the leading commercial vehicle supplier in the country, now employing over 450 workers. The celebrations at the airport and previous events in Sandton underscore the strong ties between South Africa and China as they usher in the Lunar New Year.
