China and South Africa Celebrate Youth Creativity and Friendship Through Short Video Competition

The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg hosted a vibrant award ceremony celebrating the winners of the Driving Education Culture (DEC) Short Video Competition, an initiative aimed at strengthening youth ties and cultural exchange between China and South Africa.

Held under the theme “The China–South Africa Learner Correspondent”, the competition attracted nearly 200 learners from over 80 schools across Gauteng and the Free State provinces. Participants submitted over 140 short video entries, creatively exploring the shared histories, diverse cultures, natural landmarks, cuisine, and daily lives of people in both nations.

Chinese Consul General Mr. Pan Qingjiang praised the learners for their enthusiasm, creativity, and deep reflections, saying their works “present vividly both the unique beauty of our countries and their shared values.” He described the event as a “harvest of understanding and friendship,” which has created new bridges between the youth of both nations.

The DEC initiative, launched by the Consulate in May 2025 in celebration of South Africa’s Youth Month, forms part of a broader effort to promote educational and cultural cooperation. The project aligns with the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) commitments, where Chinese President Xi Jinping included youth exchange as one of the ten partnership actions for modernization across Africa.

Consul General Pan acknowledged the support of education departments in Gauteng and the Free State, as well as teachers, parents, and community members. “Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations,” he said, underscoring the value of grassroots participation in strengthening diplomatic ties.

Referencing a learner’s comment that “China has not only gorgeous cities and amazing food but also diligent and welcoming people,” Mr. Pan invited all young South Africans to explore study opportunities in China. “China opens its arms to the world, opens its arms to you,” he declared.

With education and youth exchanges at the heart of the growing China-South Africa relationship, the DEC competition is a shining example of how cultural understanding and collaboration can be nurtured from a young age, paving the way for stronger global partnerships.