(L-R) Tian Xuejun, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, China Culture Minister Luo Shugang, South African Arts and Culture Minister Nati Mthethwa and Jerry Matthews Matjila, South African DG Department of International Relations and Cooperation at the launch - Photo Li Jianguo

Winners of the slogan and story competition for the Year of China in South Africa with Tian Xuejun, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa - Photo Li Jianguo

Chinese tenor Zeng Yong performs with SA songstress Ntombee Ngcobo - Photo Francisco Little

Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra - Photo Francisco Little

The University of Pretoria Youth Choir - Photo Francisco Little

Festive audience at the launch ceremony - Photo Francisco Little

Giant banner marks the launch of the Year of China in South Africa - Photo Francisco Little

South Africa officially launched the Year of China in on March 15, with a colorful opening ceremony in the capital Pretoria. 

Chinese Minister of Culture Luo Shugang and South African Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa took part in the opening ceremony, reading congratulatory messages from their respective presidents, followed by an eclectic concert at the Pretoria State Theater. Traditional music by Chinese tenor Zeng Yong, the University of Pretoria Youth Choir and South African songstress Ntombee Ngcobo excited the appreciative full house - supported by the stirring sounds of the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. 

Events and activities to celebrate the Year of China will be held in major cities in the nine provinces across South Africa, and serve to showcase the journey China has taken in its rapid path to development. In addition the mutual benefits of China-South Africa cooperation will be highlighted in areas from economy to culture and tourism.