The SA-China Healthcare Foundation led by Robert Chi and the SA-China Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce led by Chen Yushen made the donation, which was handed and received by Chinese and South African government officials respectively. 

Accepting the donation valued at around R400 000, North West Premier Job Mokgoro said the gesture is evidence of decades-long friendship between China and South Africa. 

"The relationship between South Africa and China dates back many, many decades. This relationship was at all times characterised by comradely relations where for instance they played a critical role in our struggles for freedom and liberation. 

"Post 1994, the relationship has not only continued but it has actually become stronger and stronger," Mokgoro said.

"We really appreciate this initiative that has come from various players in the province, and the partnership they have forged from our friends from China. We have looked at enhance our cooperation and it looks like we're going to focus our bilateral relations in sectors like agriculture. 

"I have had that discussion with Ambassador Lin Songtian [Ambassador of China in South Africa]."

The donation also included sanitary pads for schoolgirls. 

Ambassador Lin Songtian said Chinese citizens living in South Africa live in harmony with the local communities.

"I am happy because the Chinese people have take up the [South African] government policy, which is also the policy of the Chinese government ... to encourage, to support Chinese investors and company on doing whatever they can to live in harmony and work with local people for win-win co-operation. 

"I want to appreciate the premier [Mokgoro] for being available today despite getting a short notice," Lin said.

"We are here to encourage more Chinese communities in South Africa to follow this example, to do more for our people, our brothers and sisters. From this trip, I am also increasing our partnership with the premier and this province. 

"We are looking at how we can partner in education, agriculture and economic development."

He said the winning principle in Beijing is of "people first" otherwise the politicians would be forgotten by the people who put them in power.

On behalf of the donors, SA-China Healthcare Foundation chairperson Robert Chi said it was a touching moment when the young and old lined to receive the Christmas gifts.

"I think we should should be often giving out something, not only to take. We will continue to support local communities moving forward. We have previously done donations for a couple of other provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and now we're here in North West province. 

"We will continue supporting the communities as we have been doing," Chi said.

African News Agency