Beyond the headlines: South Africans share their China stories
Three South Africans reflect on travel, technology, culture and business exchanges in China, offering first-hand impressions beyond familiar media headlines.
South Africans who have traveled recently to China have shared their personal experiences that go beyond the headlines. These firsthand accounts challenge assumptions formed from media coverage alone.
Alan Ramsay, a retired magazine publisher, visited China's Beijing Motor Show. He was struck by the country's technological advancements, particularly in scale, speed, and skill. China's cities are massive, with many vehicle manufacturers operating there. Cities that were once farmland have rapidly transformed into centers of technology and manufacturing.
Chinese automotive, robotics, and practical technologies like exoskeletons are impressive. Moreover, Chinese hospitality stood out with warm people and excellent service. Robots even assisted with room service in hotels.
Sarah Struys, an Events and Tourism Manager, attended a seminar on Women's Capacity Building and Integrated Development of Cultural Tourism and Ecology for Belt and Road Countries in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. The city, known for its clear skies and natural beauty, offered a blend of traditional Mongolian culture and modern developments.
Struys experienced the culture firsthand by participating in traditional dancing, crafting, cooking, and other activities. She also learned about China's efforts to invest in tourism infrastructure and train women in various aspects of hospitality.
Dr Farhana Paruk, Chairperson of the South Peninsula Chapter, Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spent 14 days in Zhejiang Province. She was mesmerized by China's ability to stay ahead of global technology trends. During her visit, Paruk observed artificial intelligence and automation in action at companies like Sanhua and CFMOTO.
She also witnessed the precision of electric vehicle production and the innovative use of hydrogen fuel cells. Paruk noted that China's investments in tourism and development have lifted livelihoods in rural areas without erasing local culture. She believes Africa should look east for partnerships, as China is a generous partner sharing knowledge in AI, electric mobility, and industrial automation.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
