With a colorful combination of urban and rural life and a boundless variety of inland and coastline topography, South Africans consider their country as the whole world in one. "We do not just say that abstractly. Once you visit South Africa, you will appreciate what the 'world in one' really means," said Thabo Thage, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai.

In the broader scope of Sino-South Africa cooperation, relations between China and South Africa continue to improve, with an ever-growing segment of South African businesses seeking trade and cultural opportunities in China while rising numbers of Chinese visit Africa's southernmost country.

There are over 200 South African expats living or working in the Consular area of the Consulate General of South Africa in Shanghai, which also covers Shandong, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Fujian, Anhui and Zhejiang provinces. Most work in hospitality, logistics, shipping, finance or education, but a number of South African entrepreneurs have started their own businesses in Shanghai as well.

Thabo Thage, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai, speaks to the Global Times on China-South Africa relations. Photos: Yang Hui/GT and CFP

Alignment of industries

For Thage, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai, the 2015 launch of the New Development Bank of BRICS Countries (NDB) is an important landmark in Sino-South Africa relations.

"This is generally regarded as the most successful story emerging from countries of the South. These countries have asserted themselves in a way never imagined before and come together with a common purpose of appreciating their role in developing themselves and assisting their fellow countries," said Thage.

Following President Xi Jinping's visit to South Africa in December of last year, over 26 agreements totaling more than $6.5 billion were signed between the two countries. The agreed areas of cooperation include an alignment of industries, acceleration of South Africa's industrialization, enhancement of the collaboration in the special economic zones, port and infrastructure development and the development of South Africa's ocean economy.

For 2016, the Consulate General of South Africa in Shanghai will take forward these agreements to ensure their implementation. It will continue participating in events related to BRICS countries to promote the understanding and cooperation of African countries of the South, host its own investment seminars as well as attend related exhibitions and activities such as the South Africa Expo.

Growth in tourism expected

In 2015, close to 80,000 Chinese people traveled from China to South Africa. Compared with the 100 million Chinese who traveled overseas in 2015, the number is far lower than Thage would like, but as political and trade relations improve, Thage expects to eventually see major growth in their tourism sector.

"We initially projected substantial growth in the number of Chinese people visiting South Africa in 2015, but then a series of changes occurred," said Thage.

As he explained it to the Global Times, first was the cancellation of South African Airway's direct flights between Beijing and Johannesburg that arose in March of last year. Not until October, when Air China launched its first direct flight between Beijing and Johannesburg, were the two nations once again connected from the mainland.

An Ebola scare also influenced Chinese tourism to South Africa that year. "We tried to explain that South Africa has never had a single incident of Ebola. We put in place the necessary safeguards to protect all our ports of entry and help countries affected by the unfortunate situation," said Thage.

General safety and security were also issues for Chinese contemplating a trip to South Africa. The Consul General made assurances that its government will continue to cooperate with Chinese diplomatic missions in South Africa to stem the tide of any crime-related incidents involving Chinese visitors.

The beautiful view of Cape Town, South Africa

Favorable visa policies

Additionally, earlier this month South Africa changed its transit visa policies to encourage more Chinese visitors and businessmen. Chinese citizens who travel through the airports of O. R. Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg, Lanseria International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport to South Africa's neighboring countries Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland will no longer be required to apply for a transit visa.

"Although those who enter South Africa via ground travel still need to apply for multiple entry visas from South Africa, it makes the trips more convenient," said Thage.

South African visa centers have also shortened the time needed by Chinese applicants to apply for a visa to only four to five working days. Ten-year multiple-entry visas for Chinese companies investing in South Africa are also now available.

"We have added more visa centers in China, including in Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Jinan. There will be a total of four visa centers in the consular area of Shanghai," confirmed Thage.

In April, the Consulate General of South Africa in Shanghai will celebrate South Africa's National Day, and in July the consulate will celebrate the Mandela Day, the birthday of South Africa's former president and anti-apartheid revolutionist Nelson Mandela. "We will be 22 years into our democratic dispensation," said Thage.

"This is the dawn of a new era in the relationship between South Africa and China. We are hopeful to see more Chinese people visiting our country, and ready and willing to provide whatever assistance is required on short-term or long-term visits," Thage said encouragingly.