SA to benefit from Chinese workshop on radio, TV

Faith Muthambi

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi will today leave to Changsha City, Hunan province, China, to attend the Ministerial workshop on Development and Management of Radio and TV media for developing countries.

"This visit serves as a good opportunity to learn more about China and its development in broadcast and the broader TV industry. It is also meant to lay a foundation for further exchange and cooperation in these fields between the two countries," she said.

The workshop is scheduled to start from July 23 until July 31, however, Minister Muthambi will return home on July 27, after meeting the Minister of State Administration of Press, Publication Radio Film and Television, as well as the Minister of State Council Information Office.

Minister Muthambi will use the trip to gain more insight on the role that information and knowledge sharing can play in fostering economic growth, while also fast tracking socio-economic development and transformation.

The Minister is accompanied by a high-powered delegation including senior executives and Board Members of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Last week, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was in Beijing where he further cemented bilateral ties between the two countries.

Chinese companies approached by Deputy President Ramaphosa during his official visit also undertook to provide training opportunities to South African students who want to pursue different careers.

This included a firm offer from Huawei to support a five-year ICT (information and communication technology) training programme for 1,000 South African students aiming to pursue a career in technology and innovation.

Critical institutions visited by Deputy President Ramaphosa and his delegation while in China included Beijing Economic Technological Development Area, Chinese Academy of Governance and private companies.