On the evening of January 28, students and faculty of the Confucius Institute (CI) at Durban University of Technology (DUT) were invited to attend the Chinese Lunar New Year Reception held by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban. The event featured festive and memorable performances for both overseas Chinese and local residents, with approximately 300 attendees, including Mthembu, Deputy Speaker of KwaZulu-Natal, Myeni, Deputy Mayor of Durban, Zulu Royal Family representatives, government officials and so on.

Address by Li Zhigong 

At the reception, Consul General Li Zhigong extended New Year greetings to the overseas Chinese. He emphasized that KwaZulu-Natal, as a major province with a robust economy and rich cultural resources in South Africa, plays a crucial role in China-South Africa relations. As is well known, President Xi Jinping’s reply letter to the students and faculty of CI at DUT in 2023 promotes the development of China-South Africa ties. Besides, activities such as Fujian Governor Zhao Long’s visit and attendance at the 10th anniversary of CI at DUT, the Durban-Xiamen sister city agreement, the World Table Tennis Championships, BRICS Games all have made for the deepening of ties between the two countries. He hoped that President Xi’s reply letter should serve as an inspiration for CI to make greater contributions to youth development and cultural and humanity exchanges between China and South Africa.

Mthembu also expressed best wishes to the Chinese people on behalf of KwaZulu-Natal, stressing that the province value the friendship with China and wish for China’s further development and greater China-South Africa cooperation. Myeni echoed these sentiments, highlighting South Africa’s dedication to advancing bilateral relations. In particular, she lauded the significant strides made in cooperation across diverse sectors over the past year, which have bolstered economic growth and improved livelihood in Durban. She hoped that both countries will strengthen exchanges as sister cities so as to maintain an everlasting friendship.

Dragon dance performed by CI students

Speech by Lin Sen 

The reception commenced with dazzling performances, as CI students delighted the audience with lively Chinese songs to ring in the New Year. Lin Sen, a native South African teacher, shared with the audience in fluent Chinese his traveling experience to China. His stories as well as those photos and videos taken in China made the overseas Chinese feel proud for homeland’s remarkable progress. The reception ended in Gao Yuan, a volunteer teacher’s Guzheng solo. The familiar yet moving melody lingered in the hearts of the overseas Chinese, evoking a warm, homely feeling.

Guzheng solo performed by Gao Yuan 

Audiences enjoy performance at 2024 Chinese Lunar New Year Reception in Durban 

This New Year reception presented a cultural feast with rich Chinese traditions for the Chinese community in KwaZulu-Natal and local friends, delivering the sincerest New Year greetings from the students and faculty of CI at DUT.

Correspondant/Photogragher: FAFU Confucius Institute (CI) at Durban University of Technology (DUT) 

Translators: Chen Baibi, International College

         Xu Duo, International College