By Staff Reporter
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng has hailed the country’s largest wind energy project under construction as a shining example of the growing strategic partnership between China and South Africa, saying it demonstrates how cooperation between the two nations is delivering tangible benefits through clean energy, investment and expanding trade.
Speaking during the official launch of the Seriti Green Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility in Mpumalanga, Ambassador Wu described the project as “energy in the wind and hope in the wind”, adding that the strong winds experienced during the ceremony were regarded in Chinese culture as an auspicious sign.
Drawing on a Zulu expression referring to maize swaying in the wind (Umbila Emoyeni), he remarked that the project represented not only “energy in the wind” but also “hope in the wind” for South Africa’s future.
“I noticed from last night that strong winds kept blowing. In our culture, this is a very good and lucky signal. It is an auspicious sign that heaven is blessing this project, blessing South Africa and blessing everyone who has invested in it,” he said.
The ambassador also referred to the project’s isiZulu name, Ummbila Emoyeni, which means “maize in the wind”, saying the symbolism perfectly reflects South Africa’s journey towards a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future.
Supporting South Africa’s Just Energy Transition
Wu said the wind farm, currently the largest under construction in South Africa, embodies President Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision of achieving a Just Energy Transition by transforming policy into practical action.
President Ramaphosa, who officially launched the project, described renewable energy as the next chapter in Mpumalanga’s proud energy history.
He said the province, long regarded as South Africa’s coal-producing heartland, is now becoming a centre for renewable energy investment without abandoning the workers and communities that built the country’s electricity sector.
Ramaphosa praised Seriti Green’s investment, saying it proves that South Africa can simultaneously expand clean energy, attract billions of rands in investment, create jobs and protect energy security.
The President also noted that Seriti had honoured the investment commitments it made during the Presidential Investment Conference, with the company now planning to invest up to R40 billion in renewable energy developments.
Chinese Technology Powers Renewable Future
Ambassador Wu thanked the South African government and Seriti Green for selecting Goldwind, China’s leading and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of wind turbine generators, as the project’s technology partner.
He expressed confidence that Goldwind would deliver a world-class renewable energy facility that would benefit investors, businesses and South African communities for decades.
The project is expected to increase South Africa’s renewable electricity generation capacity while creating employment, transferring technical skills and supporting industrial development in Mpumalanga.
Zero-Tariff Trade Already Delivering Results
The ambassador also highlighted the growing economic relationship between the two countries under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Ramaphosa.
He said political trust between China and South Africa continues to deepen, creating opportunities for greater investment, manufacturing, infrastructure development and trade.
Wu pointed to China’s zero-tariff policy, introduced earlier this year for all African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, as already producing measurable results.
According to figures he shared, South Africa’s agricultural exports to China increased dramatically following the introduction of the preferential trading arrangement.
In May, South Africa exported nearly 5,500 agricultural consignments to China, representing a 181% increase compared with the same period last year.
In June, agricultural exports reached US$83 million, an increase of 120% year-on-year.
“I am very encouraged by these figures,” Wu said. “We believe that beyond agricultural products, many more competitive South African products will enter the Chinese market, injecting new vitality into South Africa’s long-term economic development.”
He added that he had recently been pleased to learn that another South African company had begun exporting raw materials to China, demonstrating the growing commercial opportunities between the two countries.
Chinese Companies Investing for the Long Term
Wu rejected the notion that Chinese companies are merely temporary investors, saying they have become committed partners in South Africa’s development.
He highlighted several major Chinese investments already operating in the country, including manufacturing facilities and renewable energy projects, saying they demonstrate China’s long-term commitment to supporting South Africa’s industrialisation and infrastructure development.
The ambassador said projects such as the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility show how Chinese technology and South African investment can work together to accelerate economic growth while helping South Africa transition towards cleaner sources of electricity.
His remarks echoed President Ramaphosa’s own message that South Africa’s energy transition is not about replacing one industry with another, but about building an economy where coal, renewable energy, manufacturing and new technologies can coexist to create jobs and improve lives.
Partnership Built on Shared Growth
Concluding his address, Ambassador Wu thanked all stakeholders who continue supporting China-South Africa cooperation and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Quoting President Ramaphosa’s call to work with all who share the dream of creating a better future, Wu said China would continue partnering with South Africa to promote sustainable development, industrial growth, renewable energy and expanded trade.
“As trusted strategic partners, China and South Africa will continue moving forward together, creating new opportunities for our peoples and contributing to shared prosperity,” he said.
