The Chinese Embassy visited Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) on the 13th March 2008. It donated 3 computers with monitors and 5 printers to the institute. The visit was as a result of ongoing interaction between AISA and the embassy. The visit also signified the embassy’s intention to promote and assist academic research in Africa. AISA’s CEO, Dr Matlotleng P. Matlou assured the delegates that AISA would put the equipment to good use. Dr Matlou went on to identify several areas of research where AISA and China have a common interest, for instance, the relationship between China and Africa and its role in the globalised era. AISA also has an interest in economic development, in which China is actively contributing across the continent.
Mr Cheng, the Chinese first Councillor, stated that relations between China and South Africa have been getting stronger in the last ten years. They would continue to do so as a result of relationships between the Embassy and organisations such as AISA. Mr Cheng pointed out that the embassy is very committed to and interested in the research done by AISA and would continue to support its work. The embassy has invited and paid for two AISA officials to visit China later this year and also to attend the luncheon to celebrate ten years of relations between China and South Africa.
The computers have been distributed to areas of greatest need within AISA and are a welcome addition to the institute offices. AISA can benefit greatly from the contributions coming from the diplomatic community. The institute should continue to develop partnerships with embassies in Tshwane in order to broaden the base for its research and to contribute more to policy debate. The benefit of being based in Tshwane is that is so richly populated with diplomatic missions. Tshwane is the third most diplomatically populated city, and AISA should take advantage of that fact. Many organisations such as AISA are forced to travel and conduct research without the benefit of relationships with diplomats that can be developed in our own city without much difficulty at all.
The Chinese government has come under fire recently for its reaction to protests in Tibet. The Olympic torch relay has been turned into a political issue with protesters clashing with police as the torch passes through the world’s busiest cities. In London and Paris protesters attempted o take the torch away from the runners. In Paris it even had to be extinguished and transported by bus due to safety concerns. In Africa however, the Chinese government is still very popular due to increasing support for the continent from Beijing. China’s developmental model may not work in Africa but the knowledge and experience coming from China is welcomed across the continent.
Pressure is mounting on leaders in other parts of the world to boycott the forthcoming Olympic games as protest against China’s treatment of Tibet. The South African government has voiced its support for the “one China” policy. The policy prevents Taiwan from asserting its claim to independence. Many African nations support China’s stand on Taiwan and Tibet because it is parallel with the AU policy of territorial integrity, which maintains the borders of African states as former colonial rulers left them.
Brian Seabela, AISA CFO, stated that the relationship between AISA and the Chinese Embassy is an important one. He thanked the Chinese delegation for the gift and reiterated that they would be well looked after and put to good use. The gift will contribute to AISA’s continued input to policy dialogue and debate across Africa. Mr Seabela also pointed out that AISA was facing a challenge in supplying IT equipment to its staff because new members had arrived and the old equipment was becoming troublesome. According to Mr Seabela ‘the donation could not have come at a better time.’
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