Two young South African authors launched their Gen Z book on China and South Africa relations in Cape Town on Wednesday evening.
Michael Andisile Mayalo and Thabiso Mthembu wrote the book, called Xi Jinping and China-South Africa Relations: The Gen Z Youth Perspective. The launch took place at Exclusive Books at the V&A Waterfront, IOL reported.
“For 16 consecutive years, China has remained South Africa’s largest trading partner and largest export market,” said Wang Xiao, the Acting Consul-General of China in Cape Town.
The event was hosted by China-Africa Dialogue NPC. Guests included diplomats, business leaders, publishers, community leaders and many young people. Family and friends of both authors also attended.
Mthembu could not attend because his sister had passed away. According to IOL, she played an important role in making the book possible. Guests sent condolences to his family and held a moment of silence in her memory.
The book was published by Lesedi House Inc. It has 16 chapters. The authors look at the history of modern ties between China and South Africa. They also cover the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and several Chinese global plans.
Each chapter asks what these links mean for young South Africans. The topics include education, technology, culture, green energy and business.
In the foreword, Professor David Monyae of the University of Johannesburg called Gen Z “both beneficiary and architect of a changing global order”.
Tshepo Nketle, who founded Lesedi House Inc., said he could not find a publisher for his own first book. He published it himself, and that choice led him to start the company.
Nketle said the company gives a platform to writers from townships and to Black authors. He said these voices have long been left out of South African publishing. Through the project, he also travelled to China.
“It is a book that I encourage many people, all the youth, to make sure they read,” Nketle said.
Businessman Dr Iqbal Survé, a former chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, gave the main speech. He said he had visited China 24 times and came because the book motivated him.
Survé promised to work with the authors to take the project further. “It is not just about talking,” he said.
He said jobs remain South Africa’s most pressing need. He said he wants his businesses to help cut unemployment. Survé also bought 100 copies of the book to give to young people across the country.
Speaking for both authors, Mayalo thanked the speakers and guests. He said the launch showed that government, business, civil society and youth can turn ideas into action.
Mayalo said the book mixes research from young people in China and South Africa with his own time studying in China. He pointed to China’s success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.
Mayalo is a youth activist and a former student of Peking University. He also wrote China Through My Eyes. Mthembu is a political writer with a degree in International Relations.
The book was first launched in Pretoria on 16 June, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising. The authors plan to take it to schools, university campuses and communities across South Africa.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Entertainment. Image: IOL Entertainment. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.