Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has undertaken that the city will continue to partner with China, its key municipal institutions, and thought leaders.

Morero told delegates at the two-day Global South Media and Think Tank Forum in Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg on Thursday that Johannesburg plays a unique role in deepening the partnership between South Africa and China.

He said relations between the two countries were evolving and impactful, and specifically, the growing partnership between Johannesburg and key cities’ institutions and thought leaders in China.

According to Morero, the South Africa-China relationship was more than merely governmental.

“It is economic, social, cultural, and people-to-people. In this moment of rapid global change, the Global South cooperation has become more crucial than ever,” he said.

The mayor also called for stronger collaboration between South Africa and Chinese media houses, universities, and policy institutions that will help deepen the intellectual and cultural foundations of the friendship between the two countries.

Morero said as the economic hub of South Africa, Johannesburg plays a unique role in deepening the partnership as it holds a diverse Chinese community and dynamic Chinese businesses, as well as growing cultural links that are enriching society and supporting job-creating investments and innovation.

“Cities like Johannesburg are not just the sites of development; they are engines of transformation, global connectors, and platforms where real partnerships take shape.

“Through formations such as the BRICS and the G20, China and South Africa continue to demonstrate the power of solidarity, the power of solidarity among developing nations.”

He explained that Johannesburg sees China not only as a strategic partner but as a fellow traveller in the ongoing journey of building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.

Morero said South Africa and China’s relations have matured into one of the most strategically important partnerships of the Global South over the past three decades.

“Our collaboration is rooted in shared histories, histories of solidarity, common aspirations for development and a commitment to shaping a more balanced, just and multi-product world order,” he stated.

Morero added that China’s experience in smart city development, green transport, modern housing, digital innovation, and large-scale infrastructure delivery offers valuable insights for cities like Johannesburg that are navigating the complexities of rapid urbanisation, inequality, and climate vulnerability.

“We see enormous potential for expanding cooperation in water security, clean energy transitions, urban safety, and industrial upgrade,” he said.

Morero said solidarity between South Africa and China must emphasise shared prosperity, technology exchange, infrastructure cooperation, and urban resilience.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za

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