Joint Efforts for Poverty Reduction

Honorable Ms. Tolashe, Minister of Social Development of South Africa,
Honorable Mr. Mokgosi, Premier of North West Province,
Distinguished Mr. Manyike, Mayor of Moretele Municipality,
Distinguished King Kgosi Nchaupe III Makapan,
Distinguished Mr. Malebye, Chief of Kgomo - Kgomo Village,
Dear Kgomo - Kgomo villagers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dumelang bagaetsho
I was posted to South Africa this past June. And even before coming here, I have been closely following Kgomo - Kgomo Village, and the Poverty Alleviation Model Village project when I was still working in China.
I have been looking forward to seeing everyone for a long time. Today, I am honored to be here with Minister Tolashe and Premier Mokgosi for the donation ceremony. This is my first time to visit Kgomo - Kgomo Village. As soon as I arrived, I was deeply moved by the warmth and friendship of villagers. It definitely feels like I’m home.
In recent years, under the joint leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Ramaphosa, the China-South Africa "Comrades plus Brothers" special bond is getting stronger.
Poverty reduction cooperation has always been an important part of China-South Africa practical cooperation. Right now, we are working hard to help South Africa implement the Poverty Alleviation Model Village project. It is a practical way to implement the important consensus reached by our two Presidents,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,
Eliminating poverty has been a common pursuit of mankind for thousands of years. When the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, we have one of the highest poverty rate in the world.
The rural population accounted for 87% of the total population, and they were mostly in extreme poverty.
After more than 70 years of efforts, China lifted nearly 800 million rural people out of poverty, which accounts for over 70% of the global reduction during that period.
While achieving its own poverty alleviation, China has always adhered to the spirit of international humanitarianism, and actively participated in global poverty reduction efforts.
At the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi announced Ten Partnership Action Plans. China is ready to leverage these actions together with Africa to better achieve modernization in the next three years.
We are ready to provide financial support, to make sure the development achievements can better benefit the people of China and Africa.
Right now, the Chinese side is actively discussing with the South African government, about how to deliver more livelihood projects in Kgomo - Kgomo Village that will truly benefit all the villagers, for example, building roads, clinics and schools, and improving electricity and water supply infrastructures, etc.
However, from China's experience, to embark on a sustainable road to prosperity, it is necessary to develop production-oriented agricultural and processing manufacturing projects, such as developing township enterprises.
Today, Me and my colleagues from the Chinese Embassy came here with full sincerity. We want to listen to everyone's true demands and suggestions. In addition, we also invited some representatives of Chinese companies in South Africa to do research. We also look forward to thoughtful suggestions for improving local livelihood infrastructures from them as well.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,
As former President Mr. Nelson Mandela once said, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.
Let us move towards the goal of no poverty, as we together advance the Poverty Alleviation Model Village project at Kgomo - Kgomo, and create a better tomorrow without poverty or hunger, but with common development and shared prosperity!
As the new year is only a few weeks away. The Chinese Embassy in South Africa prepared some food parcels and home solar batteries for everyone. We hope that all of you can enjoy a happy and peaceful festival.
Finally, let me wish all our friends here a happy and healthy New Year!

I thank you.

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