Dear brothers and sisters in KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa, I am Fei Mingxing, Chinese Consul General in Durban.

Today is the New Year’s Day of 2022. Regrettably, the Omicron variant prevents us from having a party. Taking this "Cloud gathering", I wish you and your loved ones good health, happiness and prosperity. 

2021 has been a challenging yet fruitful year.

In China, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). President Xi Jinping declared that China had brought about a historical resolution to the problem of absolute poverty of the country. The economic growth was sustained by adopting a dynamic Zero COVID policy.

In South Africa, the local election was held. Intra-African Trade Fair 2021 concluded in success in Durban. KZN claimed initial outcome in economic recovery from the pandemic and the violence in July.

China-South Africa relations pressed ahead. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Premier Sihle Zikalala extended their congratulations to the CPC on its centenary, and participated in some important cloud meetings hosted by the Chinese side. From January to August, our bilateral trade volume reached US$34.72 billion, up by 65.7% year on year. China’s Sinovac vaccine is conducting pediatric clinical trials in South Africa. The Chinese Embassy and Consulate donated food parcels to KZN brothers and sisters in need, in addition to donations by the local Chinese community.

Looking ahead, 2022 will be a year of hope. The Beijing Winter Olympics will take place in February. The CPC and ANC will convene respectively the 20th and the 55th Congress. Hopefully in KZN, Comrades Marathon, Traditional Zulu Ceremonies and other festivals will be held. More importantly, economic growth and social progress of our two countries will be maintained.

President Xi Jinping said: “Unity and cooperation is the right choice for the international community in the face of a major crisis.” Former President Nelson Mandela said: “We can change the world and make it a better place.” 

Let’s work together as directed. And let’s cheer for our athletes in Beijing Winter Olympics, and all those who dedicate themselves to better China and better South Africa, and the closer relations of our two great countries.

Happy New Year to you.