South African vlogger in China: I am deeply impressed by CPC's people-centered philosophy

Having nurtured a "Chinese dream" at the age of 17, South African Andre du Plessis finally came to China twenty years later.

After seven years in China, he has become a vlogger known as "Adu from Yunnan."

Du Plessis adores Yunnan's diverse ethnic cultures, and understands the Chinese political and social environment as well. The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) emphasized "People First," which left him with a profound impression.

Andre du Plessis feeds seagulls by the Dianchi Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo provided by the interviewee).

A bank executive harboring a "Chinese dream"

As a teenager in 1994, du Plessis encountered Asian philosophy, then started to study ancient Chinese thought and even Buddhism. His Chinese friend, an acupuncture doctor, further led him into the realm of traditional Chinese medicine.     

Following his parent's suggestion, du Plessis chose accounting as his major in university and became a bank executive. Yet, the "Chinese dream" has always been in his heart. At 37, he decided to come to China to pursue his dream. 

Staying in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, du Plessis has witnessed a dramatic change in China, with rapid economic growth, remarkable achievements in rural revitalization, and significant ecological improvement. He was amazed: "Every Chinese city now has more greenery, and China's environment is continuously improving."

"China is in a stage of high-quality development, and the rural environment is continuously being improved and revitalized. From all perspectives, to live in China at this time and in the future is a privilege," said du Plessis. 

Andre du Plessis plays a Yunnan drum on the streets of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo provided by the interviewee).

"If you don't understand the CPC, you can't understand China."

Holding the conviction that if foreigners in China do not understand its political system and the CPC, they cannot fully get the picture of this land. Du Plessis then systematically studied China's system and the crucial speeches of Chinese leaders. "I gradually realized how before I came to China, I actually knew very little about the real China. I hope more foreigners start to read the key policies and speeches of the Chinese leadership as well as watch China's TV programs, in this way they too can get a better understanding of China."

The "China expert" paid close attention to the 20th CPC National Congress. He said, "The report of the 20th CPC National Congress kept reiterating one topic, that is to 'put the people first, and implement a people-centered philosophy of development,' which impressed me very much."

"In China's excellent traditional philosophies, there is a saying by Mencius," he said. "'To a state, the people are the most important thing. The ruler is the least important.' It means the government should work for the people. Wherever I go in China, I can witness the government serving people well. I am deeply touched."

The South African vlogger also spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). His motherland has suffered from insufficient power generation capacity, which caused the lack of electricity. Lacking infrastructure also troubles its people. China has been actively participating in the building of power plants in Africa. Du Plessis praised the BRI: "China has worked on its infrastructure construction for decades, which has now reached a considerably high level. The world needs China's help to develop, and infrastructure construction is only the beginning."

"Africa also needs poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. I believe that African countries can learn a lot from the Chinese development model." he commented.

Both BRICS countries, South Africa and China are in a good relationship. The former bank executive believes South Africa's well-developed financial system and the growing African population will provide a massive possibility for China-Africa trade. "It's a win-win situation," du Plessis added. 

Andre du Plessis enjoys rice noodles on Confucian Temple Street in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo provided by the interviewee).

"Adu from Yunnan"

The beauty of travel lies in exploring different cultures. Fascinated by the kaleidoscopic ethnic cultures of Yunnan, du Plessis deeply explored the culture, music, and costumes from different ethnic groups. Because of his mother, who is a fashion designer, he is especially curious about Yunnan's diverse ethnic costumes. "Yunnan has 26 different ethnic groupings each with their own customs, food, art and clothing. It is this diversity which attracts many foreigners to this province."

"I enjoy the good weather in Kunming. The city is full of surprises and has many cultural elements to be explored. Furthermore, it isn't just a city of culture and history. It is also modernized and serves as a key city connecting China with Asia and Southeast Asia," added the vlogger. 

The 20th CPC National Congress report pointed out: "We will encourage positive interplay between culture and tourism and advance deeper integration of the two sectors." Yunnan's tourism industry has a great future, added du Plessis. 

A foreigner in China, du Plessis hopes to become a cultural bridge, doing livestreams to promote culture and tourism, and showcase Yunnan's products to people nationwide and worldwide. 

The account "Adu from Yunnan" on social media, which is operated in cooperation with his partners, draws a great deal of attention. "I am fulfilled by a sense of accomplishment, and the current direction of my career also gives me full confidence in my future in China," he said.

Believing that "opportunities lie where the people are," he paid close attention to China's rising new media platforms. "China has led the development of 5G technology, enabling people to purchase things and scroll short videos on smartphones. In the era of rising new media, everyone can make their own brand." 

He hopes to leverage those platforms and expand his reach, letting more foreigners understand China, its people, and its society. "For foreigners, new media is a good channel to understand China. I can use it to show the real China to the outside world." 

Du Plessis loves living in China: "I live a happy life here, and I hope through the work I do to attract more foreigners to China. I also hope to assist foreigners in finding local Chinese business partners and starting businesses together. This type of international business can contribute to both countries involved. Life here is very stable and safe, which allows people to pursue their life and work objectives as well as to care for their families."

"My wife is Chinese, my future and roots are here in China," he said, looking forward to a brighter life in the future.