Durban, 16 January 2025 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, attended a prestigious Chinese Spring Festival Gala Dinner hosted by the Chinese Consul General in Durban, Mr Li Zhigong, and his wife, Mrs Li Hong. The event signalled the start of the global Chinese New Year celebrations, a time-honoured cultural tradition observed by millions of people of Chinese descent worldwide.
Known as the Lunar New Year, the Spring Festival is a period of family reunions, cultural festivities, and fresh beginnings. Families gather to welcome prosperity, happiness, and good fortune in the new season, celebrating through vibrant customs and communal activities.
Premier Ntuli expressed his appreciation for the Chinese Consulate’s role in promoting stronger cultural and economic ties between KwaZulu-Natal and China. He praised ongoing collaborations in trade, investment, skills development, and education, noting the potential for further growth in these areas. The Premier reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to working with Chinese businesses and investors, particularly in rural development and industrial expansion, to foster inclusive economic progress in KwaZulu-Natal.
The gala dinner offered a unique opportunity for guests to experience rich cultural traditions, while reinforcing the bonds that unite KwaZulu-Natal’s diverse communities with global partners.