In a gesture aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and enhancing cultural cooperation, the Ambassador of China to South Africa Wu Peng, donated a significant batch of table tennis equipment on Monday.
This initiative underscores China’s commitment to fostering sporting ties and cultural exchanges with the Republic of South Africa.
The donation, comprising various table tennis gear, is facilitated by the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Table Tennis Association.
The handover ceremony took place at the iconic Freedom Park Heritage Site in the City of Tshwane and was organised by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
The event drew notable figures including the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie; the President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), Barry Hendricks; KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula; and President of the South African Table Tennis Board, Joe Carrim.
Peng expressed his gratitude towards McKenzie for his leadership and collaborative spirit, which have paved the way for this donation. He remarked: “This batch of table tennis equipment was donated to support the development and promotion of table tennis in South Africa.”
Highlighting the cultural significance of table tennis in China, the ambassador noted its status as the "national sport," acclaimed not only for the country's competitive success but also for its widespread popularity across social demographics.
He reflected on the successful hosting of the 2023 World Table Tennis Championships in Durban last May, which was a landmark event, returning to the African continent after an 84-year absence.
This accomplishment not only elevated South Africa’s profile in the sporting world but also reignited local interest in the sport, inspiring many young South Africans.
During his address, he further exclaimed the potential of sporting exchanges to deepen bilateral ties, stating, “Through vibrant cultural exchanges in sports, young people from both countries can experience each other’s cultures, fostering deeper understanding and friendship.” He reinforced the idea of mutual learning, suggesting that South Africa excels in sports like rugby and football, from which China could glean valuable insights.