Students in Tacheng, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, carry sports activities after class. (PHOTO: VCG)

The African National Congress (ANC) says it is taking lessons from China's unprecedented development and poverty alleviation story, seeking to implement the strategies locally for the benefit of all South Africans.

The remarks were made by Dakota Legoete, an ANC national executive committee member and member of the party's sub-committee on international relations while speaking at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria.

Legoete said in contrast with the Western media narrative, China has experienced unprecedented success in fostering equality for all, including ethnic minorities.

"We have witnessed growing strength in which China's ethnic minorities have enjoyed the best years in the last two decades, in terms of economic and social development, ethnic unity, culture, education, protection of freedom of religious belief and many other aspects," said Legoete.

The fight against poverty in Xinjiang has made remarkable achievements, included in the celebration of elimination of absolute poverty.

Through the development of the people and economy, Xinjiang has achieved great progress in human rights development, with greater integration and greater celebration of cultural diversity.

"This is a great theme for us in South Africa, a nation also born from histories of colonialism and apartheid, which historically stoked racial and ethnic divisions. Our task as a democratic government continues to be to inculcate building of one nation, unity in diversity, a phrase popularly known and associated with our inaugural President Nelson Mandela," he said.

Lessons from Xinjiang: ANC says it is taking notes, following in China’s development footsteps, Independent Online, 07-12-2023