President Zuma has sent his wishes and that of South Africa to the Chinese Community on the occasion of the Chinese New Year - the Year of the Snake - which commenced on 10 February 2013.
I would like to join the people of South Africa to wish all
members of the Chinese Community in our country and around the world, a happy
and successful New Year – the Year of the Snake!
For these communities, the Year of the Snake heralds a New
Year which allows an ability to read a
challenging situation in a deliberate and controlled manner, it thus inspires a
renewed sense of aspiration to reach for a future filled with plenty of
potential. Balancing these ideals and motivation, the Year of the Snake also calls
on all to understand that with this aspiration and potential, comes added
responsibility.
South African and Chinese relations are indeed the product
of many years of cooperation and with the renewed energy and dedication they
will no doubt be propelled to new heights in this Chinese New Year.
I am confident that our countries’ mutual engagement will
grow significantly in this Year of the Snake as our people work together for
the improvement of the lives and circumstances of all our communities.
This year in particular, must see us redouble our efforts
for the long term benefit of our future generations. It is
our confident expectation that the renewed vigour encouraged by the Year of the
Snake, will see a year ahead characterised by bold and creative ideas across
all fields, between South Africa and .
