During Harare’s jacaranda blooming season, the streets are filled with a rich floral fragrance. It was this captivating aroma that first caught the attention of Zhao Ke, then a 28-year-old man, as he paused to take it in. Little did he know that this moment would mark the beginning of a nearly three-decade-long connection with Zimbabwe.  Now 56, Zhao, a Chinese entrepreneur from Liaoning Province, arrived in Zimbabwe in 1996 to establish his business. With sharp business acumen and unwavering…

In 2024, I had the honour of being part of a special invitation program for exchange and cooperation between South Korea and Africa. I visited Seoul, South Korea, just ahead of the highly anticipated Korea-Africa Summit which took place in June 2024. During this immersive trip, I explored Seoul’s cutting-edge innovations, rich cultural heritage, and strong diplomatic ties with Africa, while also reflecting on the connections between South Korea and  Zambia. The DMZ: A Powerful Glimpse into the Divided Peninsula…

In the digital age, where traditional culture is in danger of gradually disappearing, one iconic figure has taken it upon herself to reverse the trend by reviving traditional skills. A prominent Chinese vlogger, Li Ziqi, whose birth name is Li Jiajia, has amassed a vast online following by reinterpreting traditions that date back thousands of years. Following a three-year absence from social media, she made a highly anticipated return with the release of three new videos in mid-November 2024. These…

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is India’s true treasure, a state in the middle of the country that reflects its culture, spirituality, and topography. Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram, IAS, the Principal Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, believes tourism in India is experiencing a revolution. From Buddhist circuits and rural homely stays to the sensationally huge Mahakumbh event, the state is developing opportunities to connect with its domestic and international spectators. After all, he says, tourism is not about numbers; there is more…

Riding along Xiamen’s Xinglin Bay Marine Bicycle Lane feels like gliding between the sea and sky. This 2.6-km-long pathway, built above the sea, links two sides of the bay.  Every weekend, the lane, situated along the coastline in Xiamen’s Jimei District, transforms into a hotspot for visitors. Among them is Theogene Habumugisha, a Rwandan living in Xiamen.  “This is my favourite scenic spot in Xiamen. My friends and I often come here to ride. The scenery is delightful, the air…

Meli Ndlovu is not your average cyclist. With the wind in his face and a burning passion in his heart, Ndlovu has become an inspiring figure in the world of long-distance cycling.  Over the past few years, he has cycled countless miles across Southern Africa, often solo and sometimes with a team, sharing his love for cycling and spreading important messages. But what’s next for this cycling enthusiast? A monumental journey that will take him from the southern tip of…

The year 2024 saw a further deepening of China-Africa relations, with a number of milestones.  The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing elevated China-Africa relations to new heights, unveiling ambitious plans to modernise and strengthen their longstanding partnership.  Economic cooperation continued to thrive in 2024. Although full-year data is still forthcoming, early figures indicate robust performance across various indicators. Trade volume between China and Africa reached $167 billion in the first seven months of…

Nestled in the heart of Limpopo’s wild and untamed landscapes, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center (HESC) stands as a beacon of hope for the preservation of South Africa’s most vulnerable wildlife. With a mission to rehabilitate, breed, and protect endangered species, the center plays a pivotal role in the conservation of some of the world’s most iconic and threatened animals. On my visit to HESC, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible work being done to safeguard species…

It was a hot Thursday afternoon, December 12, in Burgersfort, East of Limpopo Province in South Africa. As I embarked on this unforgettable journey through the heart of the mining town, my day was filled with fascinating history, captivating stories, and surprises. From the Echo Caves’ depths to a family-run shoe shop that feels like a home, here’s a peek into what made the day so special. The Echo Caves: A Journey Beneath the Surface Our day began early with…

Polokwane, Limpopo – The annual Mapungubwe Festival is one of Limpopo’s most significant cultural events, drawing thousands of visitors from all walks of life to celebrate the province’s rich heritage and diverse cultural history. The Mapungubwe Arts Festival on Saturday, December 14, was an unforgettable experience, packed with energy and vibrant performances. This year marks the 15th edition of the festival, a key fixture in the South African cultural calendar.  As we arrived at Polokwane Cricket Stadium, the festival venue,…