There have been growing calls for intensified cooperation between Africa and China, as well as reform of international organisations, at this week’s two-day Global South Media and Think Tank Forum’s China-Africa partnership conference in Johannesburg.

The conference held at the Houghton Hotel was attended by journalists and representatives of think tanks from several countries on the continent and China under the theme, Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation.

Xinhua News Agency editor-in-chief Lu Yansong told delegates that relations between the northern hemisphere and the Global South were changing.

He said the relationship between Africa and China has advanced together and that the Global South was becoming a stabilising force for peace.

According to Yansong, China and its enterprises have created over 1.1 million jobs in the last three years.

Leslie Richer, director of information and communication at the African Union, said she believes the global order is in transition and marching towards ensuring justice, fairness, and representativity.

Richer criticised the United Nations Security Council, describing it as unrepresentative, as Africa still has no permanent member despite its population.

She said international financial institutions did not fare any better and needed reform.

According to Richer, the time for the Global South speaking in fables was over, and it needed to realise that its strength lay in unity, as the future of global governance was not predetermined.

Independent Media executive chairman Dr Iqbal Survé expressed his pride in the company hosting the event with its valued partner, Xinhua News Agency.

“We extend our warmest congratulations to Xinhua for the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment they continue to show in advancing the Global South narrative,” he said during his address on Thursday.

He said the traditional centres of power are evolving and the Global South is emerging not as a passive observer but as a formidable and cohesive force for change.

“The Global South represents the majority of humanity – home to immense potential, natural wealth, creativity, and resilience. But to truly harness this strength, we must continue to build on the foundations of collaboration, cooperation, and solidarity,” Survé said.

He added that the Global South must work collectively to ensure that it is no longer defined by others but defined by themselves – through progress, innovation, and unity.

Survé believes that the partnership between China and Africa stands as a beacon of what genuine cooperation can achieve – grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive world order.

“It is this spirit of partnership that must guide our collective efforts in reforming global governance to reflect a more equitable and representative system,” he explained.

Jonsard Mikanda Wanga, senior editor of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Le Quotidien Media group, told the gathering on Friday that the Africa-China relationship should be intensified as it is already very deep in economic and security cooperation, among other partnerships.

Wanga said the Chinese media was already more advanced technologically and could assist its African counterparts in reaching the same level.

The relationship between the continent and China was already strong but still needs to be deepened, according to Wanga.

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero also praised the city’s relations with China, saying they 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 is hoping to learn from 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.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za

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