​On 28 January 2022, the Chinese embassy in South Africa hosted a virtual Chinese New Year's event to bid farewell to the 'Year of the Ox' and usher in the 'Year of the Tiger'. At the invitation of the embassy, the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU) recorded a video with New Year's greetings (screenshot alongside), which was screened as part of the celebrations.

Having been held for the past ten years, the New Year's event is a joyous occasion where the development of China-South Africa relations and the deepening friendship between the two nations are celebrated. This year, best wishes were also sent for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, which commenced on 4 February.

 In his address, ambassador Chen Xiaodong extended sincere New Year's greetings to all fellow Chinese, Chinese institutions, the students and staff of Confucius Institutes, as well as to friends from all walks of life in South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa had also recorded a video message to honour the China-South Africa friendship, while Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, delivered a speech. ​

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