People pose for a photo with Chinese character Fu, which means good fortune, during the Nairobi Chinese New Year Gala in Nairobi, Kenya, on 10 February (XINHUA)

Africa is not just a geographical location; it’s a mosaic of ancient civilisations and indigenous knowledge blended with the dynamics of a modern society. These attributes create the right platform for growing China-Africa bonds. Many nations in the East celebrate the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, which indicates the arrival of spring, a season that brings new life and reinvigorates one that is dormant. The festival has also been officially listed as a United Nations Floating Holiday in the UN Calendar of Conferences and Meetings starting in 2024. 

According to Chinese lunar calendar, this year, from 10 February 2024 to 28 January 2025, is the Year of the Dragon, a mythological animal that represent justice, power and wisdom. To celebrate the Chinese New Year, which fell on 10 February this year, a series of cultural activities have been held in many African cities, including Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa. This is a good way for culture exchanges, enabling more African people to understand Chinese traditional culture. 

Culture is the expression of the ability, capacity, and capability of human being and its profound connection to the universe. The physics of movement and sound that stimulate the senses is a way of invoking the human creative spirit which has the potential to unlock innovation and inventiveness.  

The dragon holds a special place in the Chinese zodiac, being the only mythical creature among the 12 animals. The Year of the Dragon is celebrated according to traditions that have endured for thousands of years. These celebrations last for about two weeks, with each day marked by different activities, including reuniting with friends and family, paying respect to relatives, cleaning houses to make way for the new things, and discarding the old. 

Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has invested in logistic infrastructure and utilities to support Africa as the continent realises its own value to unlock its real potential. These infrastructure and utilities can facilitate China-Africa cultural exchanges.  

The recent African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia set in motion the next decade of Agenda 2063. The cultural industries, which are linked to the tourism, travel and hospitality sectors, will be supported in all aspects to enhance the people-to-people, face-to-face interactions, engagements and activities. 

The core of the Global Civilisations Initiative (GCI), set in motion by Chinese President Xi Jinping, advocates respect for the diversity of civilisations, the common values of humanity, and the importance of inheriting and innovating civilisations. It places emphasis on the common aspiration of all people and calls for the appreciation of the values and perception of different civilisations. 

Cultural awareness and acceptance are the key to building sustainable cooperation in a world of instant communication. Interconnectivity through technology can enhance the human experience, paving the way for open attitudes and creating a better understanding amongst each other.  

The GCI supports the idea of inter-civilisational and inter-cultural dialogues that harness the rich history to promote transformation. Creativity and innovation play an important role in shaping the present and planning for the future of human civilisation.  

Culture encompasses all ways of life, including arts and institutions, passed down from generation to generation. Manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, and art are all part of the dynamism of culture. In celebrating culture, we honour the diversity and richness of human civilisation, recognising that through understanding and appreciation, we can forge bonds of friendship and cooperation that transcend borders and build a community of shared future for mankind.  

The author is Director of Diplomatic Society of South Africa.