1st batch of China-aided power equipment handed over to South Africa

The handover ceremony of the first batch of China-aided emergency power equipment to South Africa was held on Nov 30, 2023, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Approximately 300 attendees, including China's Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong, Minister in the South African Presidency for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Health Sibongiseni Dhlomo, and representatives from various sectors, participated in the event.

Chen said in his address that since the beginning of the year, South Africa has been grappling with ongoing power shortages,  and China swiftly decided to provide emergency power equipment, technical experts, professional consultations, and personnel training to assist South Africa in alleviating its power crisis. The power equipment handover ceremony is a significant step in implementing the outcomes of the Chinese leader's visit to South Africa in August, he said, pledging to strengthen collaboration with South Africa and actively facilitate the timely arrival of subsequent batches of power equipment assistance. Under the strong leadership of the South African government and with the help from all circles, including the Chinese side, South Africa is bound to step out of its power shortage soon, he added.

Ramokgopa expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the generous support provided by China on behalf of his government and people, saying that only China stepped up and offered a generous lending hand when South Africa was most in need, demonstrating the unity and friendship between the two peoples. He said that part of the equipment has already been distributed to public institutes such as hospitals and schools, which have been warmly welcomed by the local people. South Africa will make good use of the China-aided equipment to ensure that the people will truly benefit from it, he said, expressing his confidence in solving the energy crisis and restoring the country's economy with China's help.