Two South African authors, Michael Andisile Mayalo and Thabiso Mthembu, have launched a book titled "Xi Jinping and China-South Africa Relations: The Gen Z Youth Perspective". The book was launched at Exclusive Books in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront on Wednesday. It explores China-South Africa relations through the perspectives of young people, diplomats, and researchers. The authors plan to take discussions about China's development and its relationship with South Africa to classrooms, university campuses, and communities.
The book brings together research and views from South African and Chinese youth, diplomats, and the authors' own experiences in China. At the centre of the initiative is the argument that young people should not simply read about international relations, but understand how global partnerships, economic co-operation, and policy decisions could shape their opportunities and the country's future. Mayalo said the book was inspired by a desire to examine China's development through the eyes of young South Africans and consider what lessons the country could draw from its experience.
The book's launch featured a keynote address by businessman and media executive Dr Iqbal Survé, who highlighted the importance of strengthening South Africa's relationship with China while recognising the changing dynamics of the global political and economic landscape. Survé has visited China 24 times and developed a deep appreciation for its people, culture, and development. He reflected on his involvement in BRICS, where he had the privilege of serving as chairperson, saying he had sought to advance stronger international relations while recognising that global partnerships should not be limited to one geopolitical bloc.
Survé said one of the book's key strengths was that it brought a younger generation's perspective into discussions that were often dominated by political and economic leaders. He added that his decision to attend the launch was voluntary and reflected his belief in the importance of the project and the conversations it sought to encourage. Survé also pledged to work with the authors and the relevant council to expand the initiative, emphasising that its ambitions should extend beyond discussions and into practical action.
Acting Chinese Consul General Wang Xiao said the book offered fresh perspectives on China's foreign policy and its relationship with South Africa from the viewpoint of the country's younger generation. She described China and Africa as a community with a shared future, saying the relationship had continued to deepen through trade, development co-operation, and people-to-people exchanges. For 16 consecutive years, China has remained South Africa's largest trading partner and largest export market.
The authors and Survé discussed the book's potential impact on South Africa-China relations and the importance of youth empowerment, technological innovation, and mutual learning among civilisations. They emphasized that the book's goal was not only to discuss China's development but also to explore how South Africa could learn from China's experiences and implement similar policies. The initiative aims to encourage young people to engage in discussions about international relations and global partnerships.
The book launch marked a significant milestone in the exploration of China-South Africa relations through the perspectives of young people. The authors' efforts to bring together research and views from South African and Chinese youth, diplomats, and researchers have provided a unique insight into the complexities of international relations. As Survé noted, the book's strength lies in its ability to bring a younger generation's perspective into discussions that are often dominated by political and economic leaders.
Key points
- The book "Xi Jinping and China-South Africa Relations: The Gen Z Youth Perspective" offers fresh perspectives on China's foreign policy and its relationship with South Africa from the viewpoint of the country's younger generation.
