On 28 May, Consul General Li Zhigong held a farewell reception in Durban. Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, Mayor of eThekwini Municipality Cllr. Cyril Xaba, former South African Ambassador to China H.E. Mr. Siyabonga Cwele, members of the Consular Corps in Durban, Chinese enterprises and Chinese community, among others, attended the reception.

Speaker Boyce, Mayor Xaba, and representatives of Chinese enterprises and the Chinese community delivered remarks. They recalled their interactions with Consul General Li, thanked him for his contributions over the past three years to serving Chinese nationals, enterprises and the Chinese community, and to promoting exchanges and cooperation with China. They expressed regret at his departure, extended their best wishes, and looked forward to the continued deepening of friendship and practical cooperation between KwaZulu-Natal and China.

In his farewell remarks, Consul General Li said that during his tenure he had witnessed South Africa's post-pandemic recovery, political stability and China-South Africa relations entering a new era. He said he was honoured to have personally taken part in this process. China’s policy toward South Africa will remain stable, and the Consulate General will continue its efforts to promote friendly exchanges and cooperation with KwaZulu-Natal. He thanked all sectors in the province for their support, and wished China-South Africa friendship, Chinese nationals, enterprises and the Chinese community peace, prosperity and success.