Standard Bank Group CEO Sim Tshabalala (right) hands the presentation check to Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian at the donation ceremony on February 24 (NI YANSHUO)

The Standard Bank Group of South Africa donated 750,000 rands ($49,606) to support China’s fight against COVID-19 on February 24. Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian and Standard Bank Group CEO Sim Tshabalala attended the donation ceremony.

The donation confirms the long-standing people-to-people bond between the people of South Africa and people of China, said Tshabalala.

Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian speaks at the donation ceremony on February 24 (NI YANSHUO)

Lin spoke highly of the donation made by the Standard Bank Group.

“At this moment, we need a lot of support. The donation symbolizes more than just the money. It represents the long-lasting friendship between China and South Africa,” said Lin at the ceremony.

According to Lin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed support to Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing that South Africa firmly supports China in winning the battle against the epidemic. South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, and the South African Communist Party have both issued statements to commend China’s sense of responsibility and support China’s efforts to combat the disease.

“In the battle against the virus, China is not alone. South African people stand firmly with us. I really appreciate that,” said Lin.