“We believe that stronger win-win cooperation between our two countries will surely produce greater synergy. The CPC is ready to join hands with the ANC, the SACP and other parties to explore development paths that are in line with our respective national conditions, and to usher in a new era of China-South Africa cooperation and friendship,” China’s Ambassador to the country, Xiadong said.

“Accordingly, we have no doubt that at the end of our conference, we will emerge with renewed hope for the future of our movement and our country. Like the CPC, we too hope to emerge from our conference with an ANC that will continue to stay true to its fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly.

“This is an ANC that maintains a people-centred mindset, an ANC that acts for the people and relies on the people in everything it does; an ANC that maintains a close bond with the people and accepts their criticism and oversight,” Mashatile said.

The highlighted text is done for purposes of sadness or humour, depending on where you are in today’s stage of loadshedding.