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Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Pang
There have been renewed commitments from Chinese companies operating in South Africa to comply with the country’s labour laws and corporate social responsibilities.
South Africa hosts the launch of the corporate social responsibility report of Chinese-funded enterprises in South Africa.
The report looks at Chinese companies’ contributions to South Africa’s economic and social development.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile launched the report in Johannesburg, alongside Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng.
Chinese firms commit to SA labour laws:
The second corporate social responsibility report of Chinese-funded enterprises in South Africa is premised on the work of the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Association (SACETA) – an umbrella body representing 200 Chinese-funded enterprises in South Africa.
It looks at, amongst others – job creation, education, health and infrastructure development.
SACETA Chairman Zhang Chaoyang says, “The report is divided into 7 sections. In section one we detail the remarkable result that China founded Entreprises have achieved for filling social corporal responsibilities in South Africa. These efforts reflect a dedication to not only growing our business but also positively impacting the community in which we operate.”
To date, more than 200 Chinese-funded enterprises are operating in South Africa with a cumulative investment of more than $10 billion, across the mining, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, finance, and communications sectors.
Upliftment initiatives
One of the companies is the SAMANCOR Chrome Mine which highlighted its social development drives in uplifting communities.
CEO of SAMANCOR Chrome Mine Desmond McManus says, “Our community upliftment initiatives are a strategic investment in our collective future. Our contributions have focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. And we’ve created job opportunities provided resources and inspired positive change. Also the construction of a project which I am extremely proud of, the Mpodweni clinic in the Eastern Cape in the rural area where medical facilities are very scarce and we don’t need people to walk far to get attention. From the infrastructure project contribution point of view, we’ve upgraded and constructed 2 km of road in the Bap area which will be handed over shortly.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile launches the report, calling for more inclusive and responsible business practices by Chinese companies for common growth.
“As the global landscape continues to evolve rapidly it is essential for nations to cultivate strong partnerships to thrive and navigate the challenges of the modern world. We should leverage our expertise for a more sustainable path guided by principles of joint pursuit and a shared future. However China can assist by streamlining import procedures and lowering regulatory hurdles, China may become a larger market for our products.”
‘Expanded co-operation’
China is looking at Strategic interventions to expand co-operation between the two nations. The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa emphasises the importance of adherence to the laws of the land and the championing of social development.
Chinese Ambassador Wu Pang says, “I believe I should encourage all Chinese companies to focus not only in just to make profits, doing business, but also on contributing to South Africa’s local community. As your president has said in the opening parliament address, South Africa must have inclusive and equality economic development. So I told those Chinese companies, they must follow these South African size needs if they really want to do good business in South Africa.”
The two nations form part of the BRICS bloc, with the deputy president announcing that the commitment from the latest investment conference remains that of R15 billion in investment from China in various sectors of the economy.
The deputy president is hopeful that the corporate responsibility report will complement efforts underway in skills development, overcoming economic uncertainties and maintaining beneficial relations between the two nations.
He’s called on China to also take advantage of opportunities presented by South Africa’s G20 presidency saying it’s all systems go.
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