CIVILIZATION
Welcoming the Dragon
By Kirtan Bhana
Expressing wishes of a bumper harvest, Ambassador Siyabonga Cwele of South Africa to China extended his heartfelt New Year wishes to the people of China. Ambassador Cwele actively participated in the celebrations, showcasing traditional and cultural performances hosted by the Embassy of China to South Africa, alongside Ambassador Chen Xiaodong.
During her three-city visit to Beijing, Kunming, and Shanghai, Minister de Lille engaged in fruitful discussions with Minister Sun Yeli, her counterpart in Culture and Tourism. The establishment of a Tourism office for China in South Africa will encourage South Africans to explore the wonders of China – its beauty, hospitality, rich culture, ancient history, and modern dynamism.
The festivities commenced with the opening dance titled ‘Happy Song of the Golden Age,' marking the Chinese New Year Gala. This showcase was a dazzling display of the splendor of cross-cultural, rich, and diverse traditions, sights, sounds, and stories from China. The precision, coordination, and artistry of the performers in Shaolin, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi, accompanied by music and dance, presented a spectacular exhibition of Chinese Martial Arts. Solo performances on Suona and Erhu, featuring excerpts from the Henan Opera, captivated the audience during this outstanding Gala evening.
This cultural exchange seamlessly aligned with the vision reflected in the principles of the Global Civilization Initiative. At its core, the initiative advocates for respect for the diversity of civilizations, the significance of inheritance and innovation, common values, and face-to-face connections. Inclusivity, dialogue, and mutual learning among civilizations are seen as key elements fostering a sense of belonging, acceptance, trust, coexistence, and respect.
February 10th will mark the beginning of the Year of the Dragon – Loong in Chinese. This symbolic year ushers in a period of calm confidence, synonymous with loyalty, emphasizing the importance of consistency in relying on one's skills, knowledge, and talents.
TDS