By Emily Setona
QWAQWA — In a heartfelt and symbolic gesture of cultural exchange and partnership, Chinese Consul General Pan Qinjiang wrapped up his two-day visit to the Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality with a deep sense of fulfilment and connection.
The visit on Wednesday 21 May, which began with generous donations to local schools, concluded with a moving Basotho cultural ceremony that affirmed the strengthening bond between China and the local community.
On the second day of his visit, Pan Qinjiang expressed his gratitude and pride, stating that he had “achieved his ultimate goal,” which was to provide school shoes and toys to schools in the region. “No child should be left behind. No school should be forgotten. The youth are flowers — we must nurture them,” he declared at Tshiya Hall, where the donation drive officially commenced. Each school received 11 pairs of school shoes there were 96 schools being donated to, and Thibolo Special School was gifted with educational toys.
The visit was not only about giving but also about learning and cultural immersion. At the Bluegumbosch Multipurpose Hall, Pan and his delegation enjoyed a traditional lunch with local chiefs and members of the traditional leadership. This gathering highlighted the mutual respect and curiosity between the two communities. In a ceremonial moment that deeply moved both the guests and hosts, the Consul General was dressed in a Basotho blanket — a powerful symbol of welcome, warmth, and unity.
“As a token of our appreciation, and also to officially convert you into a Mosotho man, our chiefs will dress you in the Basotho blanket,” said executive mayor Malekula Melato.
“This is our way of saying, ‘You are safe and welcome.’”
Visibly touched, Pan responded, “This is a token of friendship from us to you. We value education and doing more for children. We are your partners in development and progress. I enjoyed my stay in your town — executive mayor, you and your people gave me a big surprise with your Basotho culture. We were truly impressed. We felt at home through your hospitality. Today, we are Basotho people.”
Representing the traditional leadership, Morena Mokhalaka Sekonyela of Thibela spoke on behalf of Morena Pule Sekonyela, praising the efforts of the municipality and encouraging deeper cultural collaboration. “To the executive mayor Mme Melato and your team, I’d like to say that this initiative will be remembered long after you leave office. Traditional leaders are custodians of our land and heritage. We invite Consul General Pan to consider engaging his community with our rich cultural legacy and embark on projects that will uplift our community,” Sekonyela said.
Morena Lerotholi Mopeli dressing Chinese Consulate General Pan Qinjiang in a traditional Basotho blanket.
Chief Whip Moeketsi Lebesa echoed these sentiments in his closing remarks, commending the Basotho cultural exhibition and experience, which he said gave Pan Qinjiang and his entourage “a wonderful experience that made them feel truly at home.”
The Consul General and his team also paid a royal visit to the Bakoena Royal Palace in Namahadi to meet Morena e Moholo Moremoholo Mopeli and pay their respects. This gesture highlighted the importance of acknowledging traditional leadership in South African society. Pan Qinjiang’s visit to Maluti-a-Phofung was more than a diplomatic stop — it was a meaningful exchange of values, culture, and friendship.
His words and actions have left a lasting impression, and his gesture of solidarity with the local community and leaders marks a new chapter in cross-cultural cooperation between China and the Free State.
