The City of Ekurhuleni is seeking to deepen its international partnerships following a diplomatic engagement between Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza and the Consul General of China, Pan Qingjiang, in Johannesburg.

The meeting took place at the city’s offices in the OR Tambo Precinct in Germiston, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between South Africa and China at a local government level.

According to the mayor’s office, the engagement centred on opportunities to expand skills development programmes and encourage greater investment exchanges that could benefit the metro’s economy.

Both sides highlighted the value of stronger collaboration in creating economic opportunities within the city.

During the discussions, Xhakaza reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to maintaining law and order across communities in a manner that upholds dignity and fairness.

He emphasised that enforcing municipal by-laws is aimed at maintaining standards and is not intended to target any particular group.

Qingjiang, in response, assured the mayor that efforts are ongoing to educate Chinese nationals living and operating businesses in the city about local regulations and the importance of fully complying with South African laws.

The meeting also touched on trade relations, with Xhakaza welcoming the zero-tariff policy currently applied to certain South African products exported to China, noting that the policy comes at a time when many countries are increasing tariffs on imported goods.

Xhakaza was joined at the meeting by MMC for the Infrastructure and Economic Development Agency, Dora Mlambo, and head of strategic support, Zanele Katembo.

As part of the visit, Xhakaza also gave Qingjiang a tour of the city’s headquarters.

During the engagement, the Consul General extended an invitation for Ekurhuleni to showcase its products at the upcoming China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo scheduled to take place in June.

Xhakaza confirmed that additional engagements and site visits to Chinese businesses operating within Ekurhuleni will be arranged in the near future, aimed at strengthening local partnerships and expanding economic opportunities within the metro.