On 23 January, the 2025 Mayoral Matric Awards of eThekwini was held at the Durban International Convention Centre. Li Zhigong, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban, attended the event at the invitation of the organisers and, together with Cyril Xaba, Mayor of Durban, presented awards to outstanding matric graduates.

In his address, Consul General Li extended warm congratulations to the award-winning students and their parents. He encouraged the students to cherish the honour, remain diligent and steadfast in their studies, continuously strengthen their knowledge and skills, and make even greater progress in their future studies and in life. He also gave a brief introduction to the friendly cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and South Africa, as well as the development of China’s higher education and distinctive features of some Chinese universities. He welcomed and encouraged outstanding South African students to learn more about China and pursue further studies there, and to contribute in the future to China–South Africa friendship and cooperation.

Mayor Xaba and Deputy Mayor Myeni attended the ceremony and, in their remarks, commended the notable achievements and progress made in basic education in Durban. They expressed appreciation to all sectors of society, including the Chinese Consulate-General in Durban, for their continued attention and support for Durban’s education sector. The ceremony commended relevant schools and outstanding students and presented certificates and bursaries to the awardees.