UCT’s Distinguished Diplomat Dialogues explores everyday foundations of Africa-China relations
The University of Cape Town (UCT) brought diplomacy and student perspectives together as it relaunched its Distinguished Diplomat Dialogues (3D@UCT), welcoming China’s Consul-General in Cape Town, Mr Ren Faqiang, for a discussion on the everyday relationships shaping a shared future between Africa and China.
Hosted by the UCT International Office in collaboration with the Confucius Institute on 7 October 2026, the event took place at the Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking Afrika (d-school) on UCT’s Middle Campus. Under the theme, “Everyday Foundations of an Africa-China Shared Future”, this dialogue was intended to bring together the Consul-General of China, academics and students to explore how cultural exchange, economic and political cooperation as well as personal connections contribute to stronger international relationships.
The occasion also marked the relaunch of 3D@UCT, an initiative established two years ago to create a platform for meaningful engagement between the university community and representatives of the international diplomatic community.
Reviving a platform for global dialogue
Opening the event, Emeritus Professor Danie Visser, acting director of the UCT International Office, reflected on the purpose of the Distinguished Diplomat Dialogues and the importance of creating spaces for open discussion on international affairs.
He explained that 3D@UCT was established as a public forum to foster dynamic conversations between diplomats, ambassadors, consuls general, students and staff on international relations, global citizenship and issues shaping the world.
Following a period of inactivity, Visser welcomed the opportunity to revive the initiative and strengthen engagement between UCT and the diplomatic community.
He also highlighted the significance of hosting the dialogue during the year marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
For Visser, cultural and intellectual exchanges remain at the heart of meaningful international partnerships, creating opportunities for universities to facilitate understanding, encourage dialogue and connect people across national and cultural boundaries.
Beyond diplomacy: partnerships that reach everyday lives
Delivering the keynote address, Consul-General Ren Faqiang congratulated UCT on its academic achievements and international standing, acknowledging the university’s position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
He described South Africa as an important strategic partner for China and emphasised that relations between the two countries extend well beyond formal diplomatic and government engagements.
Ren outlined three interconnected foundations for strengthening Africa-China relations: provincial and municipal partnerships, mutually beneficial economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges that sustain long-term friendships.
Reflecting on provincial and municipal cooperation, he highlighted the importance of sister-city relationships in creating opportunities for collaboration. Such partnerships, he explained, enable cities and communities to identify shared interests and strengthen cooperation in areas that directly affect people’s lives. Turning to economic relations, Ren discussed China’s role as a major trading partner and export market for South Africa, highlighting cooperation in agriculture, tourism, business and energy development.
He noted that Chinese investment in South Africa’s energy sector had contributed to electricity provision benefiting approximately 300 000 households, illustrating how international economic partnerships can translate into tangible benefits for communities.
Beyond economic cooperation, Ren reflected on the historical relationship between South Africa and China, highlighting their shared experiences of struggles for freedom and equality.
He called for mutual respect and cooperation across differences in nationality, religion and culture, emphasising the importance of finding common ground in an increasingly interconnected world.
“No matter the religion or nationality, we should all mutually respect one another and cooperate with one another and seek common ground.” — Consul-General Mr Ren Faqiang
He continued to mention that creating opportunities for young people to encounter different cultures, develop friendships and build relationships that extend beyond formal diplomatic engagements are essential.
Encouraging greater cultural discovery, Ren recommended the publication 9 Reasons to Visit China, underscoring the role of travel and tourism in strengthening mutual understanding.
Student voices at the centre of Africa-China dialogue
The conversation continued with a student panel discussion facilitated by Luyolo Sijake, bringing a younger generation’s perspectives into the broader discussion on Africa-China relations.
The panel featured Neville Boon, Kwei Shun-yu, Gabriella Madombwe, Ayisemihle Ntlahla and Livashni Naidoo, creating a platform for student engagement with the event’s theme.
Their participation placed young people at the centre of a conversation often dominated by political and economic considerations, reinforcing the importance of understanding international relationships through the experiences of individuals and communities.
The panel also formed part of the broader engagement associated with the 5000-Mile Think Tank for Africa-China Research, in collaboration with the UCT Confucius Institute.
The think tank’s inaugural publication, Between Worlds: Language, Migration, and the Experience of Foreignness, provided an additional intellectual dimension to the event, drawing attention to language, migration and the experience of navigating different cultural environments.
Professor Pengpeng Feng, director of the UCT Confucius Institute, welcomed the launch of the inaugural publication, recognising the contributions of local teachers and the importance of amplifying young people’s voices. She emphasised that youth perspectives are essential to sustaining and strengthening relationships between Africa and China.
Introducing the publication, panel chair Luyolo Sijake expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share ideas and experiences through the think tank. He explained that the initiative grew from a recognition of the rich knowledge and diverse perspectives within the Africa-China community, and the need for a platform through which these could be shared and explored.
Together, these themes reflected the wider purpose of the dialogue: to encourage meaningful engagement with the human dimensions of international relations and recognise the role of young people in shaping future connections between Africa and China.
The session was followed by an audience question-and-answer segment, creating a further opportunity for engagement.
Strengthening connections for a shared future
The event concluded with a certificate presentation led by Professor Pengpeng Feng, director of the UCT Confucius Institute, followed by closing remarks from Visser.
By bringing together diplomatic perspectives, academic engagement and student participation, the relaunch of 3D@UCT reinforced the university’s role as a space for dialogue on international issues and global citizenship.
More importantly, the discussion highlighted that the future of Africa-China relations will be shaped not only through agreements, trade and investment, but also through the everyday interactions, cultural exchanges and friendships that bring people closer together.
