China, South Africa reaffirm enduring ties as CPC celebrates 105th anniversary

The Chinese Embassy in South Africa marked the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on July 3, 2026, with a reception celebrating not only the Party's historic achievements but also the deepening political and strategic partnership between China and South Africa.

Guests pose for a group photo in Pretoria, South Africa, July 3, 2026. (Photo/People's Daily Online SA/Zhang Xi)

Hosted by Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, the event brought together former President Kgalema Motlanthe, senior representatives of the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Communist Party, the South African National Civic Organisation, former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Naledi Pandor, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, academics and representatives from various sectors of society.

The celebration came just days after commemorations in Beijing, where Xi Jinping, Chinese president and general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, addressed a national gathering reflecting on the Party's 105-year journey and its role in shaping China's development.

Opening the reception, Ambassador Wu described the founding of the CPC in 1921 as a defining moment in the country's modern history. He said the Party had led China through every major stage of its transformation, from national liberation and socialist construction to reform and opening up, and now the pursuit of Chinese modernization.

Wu Peng, Chinese ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Republic of South Africa, in Pretoria, South Africa, July 3, 2026. (Photo/People's Daily Online SA/Zhang Xi)

According to Wu, China's development has not only transformed the lives of its own people but has also created new opportunities for countries across the Global South.

"China will remain firmly committed to peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit," Wu said, adding that the country would continue advancing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative while contributing to global peace and development.

Highlighting China's economic achievements, Wu said the country is now the largest trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions and contributes around 30 percent of global economic growth. He also pointed to the Belt and Road Initiative, which now includes more than 150 partner countries and has attracted investments exceeding $1 trillion.

Turning to Africa, the ambassador reaffirmed China's commitment to practical cooperation based on equality, mutual respect and shared development rather than political conditions.

He highlighted China's recent decision to implement zero tariffs on 100 percent of tariff lines for products from the 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, saying the move presents fresh opportunities for South African manufacturers and exporters.

"I hope South Africa and its development partners will make full use of China's favorable policies so that there can be more investment in South Africa and stronger local manufacturing exports to China," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the African National Congress, ANC National Executive Committee member Lindiwe Zulu congratulated the CPC on reaching the milestone anniversary, describing its journey as "one of the greatest political achievements of the modern era."

Lindiwe Zulu, member of the African National Congress National Executive Committee, in Pretoria, South Africa, July 3, 2026. (Photo/People's Daily Online SA/Zhang Xi)

She praised the CPC's role in lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty, building the world's largest high-speed rail network and positioning China as a global leader in renewable energy, electric mobility, artificial intelligence and technological innovation.

"The journey of the CPC is one of conviction, sacrifice and the extraordinary capacity of an organized people to bend the arc of history toward justice," she said.

Reflecting on the long-standing relationship between the ANC and the CPC, Zulu said the friendship was forged during South Africa's liberation struggle, when China provided political solidarity, training and material support at a time when many countries remained hesitant to oppose apartheid.

The reception concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding exchanges between political parties, businesses, young people and civil society.

As China advances its vision of Chinese modernization and South Africa pursues inclusive economic growth, speakers agreed that the partnership between the two countries remains firmly rooted in a shared history while increasingly focused on delivering tangible development outcomes for the benefit of both peoples.