The Year of the Pig unites people in South Africa

The Chinese New Year celebrations on Saturday united the people from all?colors?and creed when they joined the celebrations to?usher in the year of the pig in Johannesburg.

The celebration was attended by people of different?colors?and tribes in South Africa. The two weeks Chinese New Year ended last Wednesday but was postponed to the weekend. The Deputy Consul-General?of the People's Republic of China in South Africa Qu Boxun said they were?humbled?by the huge attendance.

"We have a mixed community who have come to join us to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This is heartwarming. I would like to everyone a?prosperous?New?Year," said Qu.

He pointed out that the mingling of people of all races and tribes shows enthusiasm to new cultures and will lead to strengthening of China-Africa relations. Qu said these relations will continue to become stronger and benefit?people?of both countries.

The Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee of Public Safety Councilor Yao-Heng?Michael Sun?echoed Qu's sentiments. He stated that if people unite in their?diversity, it makes ?the world a better place.

He said, "This celebration is unique. As you know, Johannesburg is the melting pot of all cultures.? If we unite in our diversity we will create a better world. We can do more to move our country?forward?if we show this unity. This is wonderful. As Chinese, we welcome people of other cultures."

Sun stated that the future of South Africa and China relations and Sino-Africa relations looked brighter. He said Africa will benefit from China who are advanced in technology. Sun said Africa should embrace the?fourth?industrial revolution and explore its?opportunities?with China's help.

Chinese?dishes were sold?during?the Spring?Festival. People were also?entertained?by locals performing Kung Fu, dragon dance, lion?dance, Irish?dance, ?hip hop and violin among others.

The chairperson of the Chinese Association in Gauteng Erwin Pon?welcomed the?multitude?of people to the Spring Festival.?He said he was happy to see the non Chinese martial arts and Kung Fu performance. He stated that the celebration was a platform for people to?understand?each other and help?demystify?some?myths and stereotypes.

Pon said, "We are promoting the Chinese culture and tradition to the broader South African community. We saw westerners, Asians, natives, all races and colors joining?us. This congregation negates negative narratives in the media. We are a loving and friendly people."

There were fireworks?displays?at night and Pon explained that they?symbolize?chasing?away of bad luck and brings a brighter future.?Pigs works hard and people are called upon to work?hard?to?prosper?this year, said Pon.

Mcebisi Ndletyana from South Africa said he?enjoyed the Chinese foods and beer. Ndletyana?brought?his family to the Spring Festival party to watch his?daughter?who?was?part of the hip hop dance group?which?performed.

Susan Sibanda, a Zimbabwean living in South Africa also attended the celebrations. She said she enjoyed the Chinese?delicacies?including dried fruits. Sibanda said she also enjoyed?the fireworks display. She said, "This is my second time to attend these?celebrations. The Chinese love their culture and I love that. They have?entrepreneurship?spirit and?are?peace loving people."

Akim Maseko from Malawi said he always attended the celebrations to?learn the?Chinese culture. Maseko is employed by the Chinese as a shop assistant. The?celebrations?were?held in?the streets with some roads blocked.