In a significant diplomatic and economic move, the City of eThekwini welcomed Consul General Li Zhigong of the Chinese Consulate General in Durban for a high-level meeting on July 10, 2025. The discussions, held with eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and City Manager Musa Mbhele, underscored a deepening partnership between South Africa’s bustling port city and China, a relationship that has evolved into a cornerstone of local and international cooperation. As the world watches the shifting dynamics of global trade, this engagement signals a renewed commitment to enhancing China-South Africa ties at the municipal level.
A Historic Partnership
The meeting, documented through a series of images shared by the Chinese Consulate General on X, captured moments of handshake agreements, group discussions, and informal exchanges. The backdrop featured the flags of South Africa and China, alongside a banner proclaiming the “Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban,” symbolizing a bond that has grown significantly since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998. Bilateral trade between the two nations has soared, reaching $55.6 billion in 2023—a remarkable 35-fold increase, as highlighted by Consul General Li during a 2024 Chinese New Year address. This economic momentum sets the stage for the latest collaboration efforts.
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The timing of this meeting is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit to China on July 15, 2025. Mashatile’s trip, aimed at diversifying South Africa’s trade partnerships and reducing reliance on Western markets, complements the local efforts in Durban. The South African Institute of International Affairs reported in 2023 that BRICS countries, including China, are increasingly vital for South Africa’s economic diversification, particularly in infrastructure, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. The $293 million loan facility announced by the China Development Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa further underscores this commitment to addressing Africa’s infrastructure needs, with eThekwini poised to benefit as a key economic hub.
Locally, eThekwini’s Economic Development Incentive Policy and initiatives like the tourism levy feasibility study reflect a proactive stance to attract investment. The July 10 discussions likely explored how Chinese expertise and investment could support these goals, especially given Durban’s strategic location as a port city and its status as a top domestic tourism destination, as noted by Invest Durban’s Russell Curtis earlier this year.
A Grassroots Approach to Diplomacy
What sets this engagement apart is its grassroots focus. Unlike traditional state-to-state diplomacy, the involvement of City Manager Musa Mbhele and the emphasis on sister city relationships highlight a bottom-up strategy. This approach contrasts with narratives of China’s influence being solely state-driven, offering a nuanced perspective on how local governance in eThekwini—recently navigating political shifts—can leverage international partnerships. The twinning of cities, as outlined in a 2023 UKZN study on globalization’s impact on local authorities, serves as a critical measure to monitor global trends and attract new alliances, a strategy eThekwini is clearly embracing.
As the partnership evolves, the collaboration between eThekwini and the Chinese Consulate General in Durban promises to yield tangible outcomes. From job creation and skills development to sustainable urban development—highlighted by eThekwini’s energy efficiency programs—these efforts could position Durban as a model for other South African municipalities. The images from the meeting, showing smiles and thumbs-up gestures, reflect a shared optimism about the future.
In the words of Vice Mayor Zhuang Rongliang of Xiamen during the 2023 MOU signing, “We are excited to have established this collaboration with eThekwini for the next five years.” As of today, July 15, 2025, with ongoing high-level visits and local initiatives aligning, that excitement is translating into action. The relationship between eThekwini and its Chinese Consulate General is not just a diplomatic formality—it’s a blueprint for economic resilience and global integration in an ever-changing world
