President Cyril Ramaphosa with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
By Michael Andisile Mayalo
This week, South Africa hosts a high-level delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC), marking a significant moment in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between China and South Africa. This visit builds upon the consensus reached between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Ramaphosa’s recent state visit to China. The discussions taking place during this CPC visit underscore both nations’ commitment to deepening their relationship in line with the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit
At the core of this visit is the China-South Africa All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership, a partnership that has evolved to address the challenges and opportunities of the “New Era.” Through meetings with officials from South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), the CPC delegation is exploring practical ways to cooperate on governance, anti-corruption efforts, poverty alleviation, and party-building initiatives. Two influential countries in the Global South, China and South Africa, are using this platform to share knowledge, strengthen bilateral ties, and work together toward shared development goals.
The CPC’s visit offers the ANC an opportunity to gain insights from China’s model of governance. The CPC has built a system that prioritizes long-term planning, economic development, and social stability, bringing about dramatic transformations in the lives of its citizens. While South Africa’s political and economic landscape is unique, there is much for the ANC to learn from the CPC’s experience in delivering services efficiently, implementing policies that drive economic growth, and lifting millions out of poverty.
China’s experience demonstrates the benefits of disciplined governance and a clear focus on development priorities. For instance, China’s emphasis on infrastructure development, agricultural productivity, and poverty eradication has led to unprecedented growth. The ANC’s interest in China’s governance practices does not imply a wholesale adoption of the Chinese model but rather reflects a desire to study the CPC’s strategies and see how these might inspire solutions tailored to South Africa’s specific context.
Another area of focus for the CPC and ANC during this visit is anti-corruption cooperation. Both parties acknowledge the threat that corruption poses to development, undermining public trust and hindering economic progress. In South Africa, corruption scandals have taken a significant toll on the country’s economic stability and have eroded public confidence in institutions. Tackling corruption is, therefore, a priority for the ANC, as it seeks to restore credibility and ensure the effective use of public resources.
China’s anti-corruption campaign, spearheaded by President Xi Jinping, has been rigorous, targeting officials across all levels. The CPC’s approach combines both preventive measures and strict accountability, fostering a culture of transparency and discipline within its ranks. By sharing its methods and lessons learned, the CPC could offer valuable guidance to the ANC as it works to implement effective anti-corruption measures. This collaboration could help the ANC strengthen internal oversight and create mechanisms to prevent corrupt practices, ultimately contributing to a more accountable and effective government in South Africa.
The CPC and ANC’s discussions on poverty alleviation come at a critical time for South Africa, which faces high unemployment, inequality, and social unrest. South Africa’s economic challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, require urgent and innovative solutions. China’s success in lifting over 800 million people out of poverty is a remarkable achievement that provides a model for how targeted policies can transform lives.
During this visit, the CPC and ANC are exploring ways to address poverty and unemployment in South Africa. One area of focus is increasing Chinese investment in South African infrastructure, which could create jobs, stimulate local industries, and improve essential services. China’s experience has shown that development is often driven by infrastructure projects that enable trade, connect communities, and support local economies. Investment in sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, and technology could provide South Africa with a sustainable path to growth and poverty reduction.
Another approach discussed is the importance of vocational training and education programs to equip South Africans with skills needed for a modern economy. China’s focus on human capital development has been central to its economic rise, and similar strategies could help South Africa address its youth unemployment crisis. These discussions highlight the commitment of both parties to identify sustainable, practical solutions that can bring real change to South African communities.
As the ANC and CPC deepen their ties, they are building a unique relationship that extends beyond government-to-government collaboration. The CPC’s influence within China is tightly linked to its effective party-building strategies, which emphasize discipline, unity, and service to the people. The ANC, facing its own challenges in maintaining unity and credibility, has expressed interest in learning from the CPC’s approach to party-building.
The CPC’s system of cadre training, organizational unity, and long-term planning could offer valuable insights for the ANC as it seeks to strengthen its own structures. By building a stronger, more organized party, the ANC can ensure that it remains a robust vehicle for addressing South Africa’s challenges and delivering on its promises to the electorate. Party-to-party exchanges like this one lay the foundation for an ongoing dialogue in which both sides can learn from each other’s experiences and strengthen their commitment to serving their citizens.
The CPC delegation’s visit to South Africa represents a new chapter in China-South Africa relations. It highlights the shared vision and mutual respect that underpin the China-South Africa All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership. As the two countries collaborate on governance, anti-corruption, poverty alleviation, and party-building, they are not only strengthening their own relationship but also setting an example for partnerships in the Global South.
This visit underscores that China and South Africa see their futures as interconnected, grounded in a commitment to social development, economic prosperity, and mutual respect. While both countries are at different stages of development and have different political systems, their partnership is defined by a willingness to work together on common goals.
In the years ahead, the CPC and ANC’s collaboration could help pave the way for a more equitable, sustainable future for South Africa and, indeed, for other African nations looking to benefit from similar partnerships. Through sustained dialogue and concrete actions, China and South Africa are poised to shape a new era of development that prioritizes the welfare of their people and strengthens the foundation for a just and inclusive global order.
* Michael Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst and political commentator.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.