The Year of the Pig unites people in South Africa

The Chinese New Year celebrations on Saturday united the people from all colors and creed when they joined the celebrations to usher in the year of the pig in Johannesburg.

The celebration was attended by people of different colors and tribes in South Africa. The two weeks Chinese New Year ended last Wednesday but was postponed to the weekend. The Deputy Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in South Africa Qu Boxun said they were humbled by the huge attendance.

"We have a mixed community who have come to join us to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This is heartwarming. I would like to everyone a prosperous New Year," said Qu.

He pointed out that the mingling of people of all races and tribes shows enthusiasm to new cultures and will lead to strengthening of China-Africa relations. Qu said these relations will continue to become stronger and benefit people of both countries.

The Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee of Public Safety Councilor Yao-Heng Michael Sun echoed Qu's sentiments. He stated that if people unite in their diversity, it makes  the world a better place.

He said, "This celebration is unique. As you know, Johannesburg is the melting pot of all cultures.  If we unite in our diversity we will create a better world. We can do more to move our country forward if we show this unity. This is wonderful. As Chinese, we welcome people of other cultures."

Sun stated that the future of South Africa and China relations and Sino-Africa relations looked brighter. He said Africa will benefit from China who are advanced in technology. Sun said Africa should embrace the fourth industrial revolution and explore its opportunities with China's help.

Chinese dishes were sold during the Spring Festival. People were also entertained by locals performing Kung Fu, dragon dance, lion dance, Irish dance,  hip hop and violin among others.

The chairperson of the Chinese Association in Gauteng Erwin Pon welcomed the multitude of people to the Spring Festival. He said he was happy to see the non Chinese martial arts and Kung Fu performance. He stated that the celebration was a platform for people to understand each other and help demystify some myths and stereotypes.

Pon said, "We are promoting the Chinese culture and tradition to the broader South African community. We saw westerners, Asians, natives, all races and colors joining us. This congregation negates negative narratives in the media. We are a loving and friendly people."

There were fireworks displays at night and Pon explained that they symbolize chasing away of bad luck and brings a brighter future. Pigs works hard and people are called upon to work hard to prosper this year, said Pon.

Mcebisi Ndletyana from South Africa said he enjoyed the Chinese foods and beer. Ndletyana brought his family to the Spring Festival party to watch his daughter who was part of the hip hop dance group which performed.

Susan Sibanda, a Zimbabwean living in South Africa also attended the celebrations. She said she enjoyed the Chinese delicacies including dried fruits. Sibanda said she also enjoyed the fireworks display. She said, "This is my second time to attend these celebrations. The Chinese love their culture and I love that. They have entrepreneurship spirit and are peace loving people."

Akim Maseko from Malawi said he always attended the celebrations to learn the Chinese culture. Maseko is employed by the Chinese as a shop assistant. The celebrations were held in the streets with some roads blocked.