President speaks about relationship with Chinese
The Chinese arch in neighbouring Cyrildene is a symbol of friendship, solidarity, diversity and the Chinese community’s commitment to South Africa and its future.
These were the words of President Jacob Zuma at the official opening of the Chinese arch in Cyrildene recently. This suburb is well known to Bedfordview and Edenvale residents for its Chinese restaurants.
President Zuma said he was honoured to be a guest at the opening of the Chinese arch. He attended the event with ANC Treasurer General Dr Zweli Mkhize and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
“We would like this arch to stand as a permanent monument to your contribution to the cultural diversity of this beautiful country. It must be a monument to your contribution to building a better and more prosperous South Africa,” said President Zuma to the Chinese dignitaries who attended the event.
He said he looks forward to ongoing co-operation and friendship between the government and the Chinese community.
“The Chinese community adds to the rich diversity of our nation and contributes to the tapestry that makes South Africa unique and colourful in so many aspects. We are pleased to have the Chinese community in our country given the strong and longstanding relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.
“This special occasion has given us an opportunity to reflect on the relations which must count among the strongest bilateral linkages that South Africa has with any country. The two countries also belong to the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) grouping, which has changed the economic landscape by introducing a significant new power bloc in world economic relations,” said President Zuma.
He said over the past 20 years, the Chinese population of South Africa increased dramatically, and so has their contribution to the South African economy.
“It is against this background that we meet here with great joy to open this arch which is a symbol of the presence, diligence and importance of our Chinese community to the building of this country. South Africa is attracting more Chinese tourists and students. China has become South Africa’s fourth biggest tourism source, attracting 122 482 tourists from January to November 2012, which represents a 58,3 percent growth compared to the same period in 2011,” he said.
President Zuma invited the Chinese community to partner with government in the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP), which is focused on providing a roof over every citizen’s head, job creation and basic services.
