Chinese enterprises held a job fair in Johannesburg on Tuesday, offering more than 200 jobs to local people.
The Chinese ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian said the second Chinese job fair was meant to ensure South African jobseekers communicate with Chinese enterprises face to face.
"This year the job fair is much better, there are more companies, more positions and more jobs. This year I am told there are over 200 jobs on offer. This demonstrates true partnership between South Africa and China. We are willing and committed to work with South African government to create jobs and for economic transformation and economic development," said Lin.
He said that in future many Chinese enterprises will invest in the country to create jobs and fight poverty and inequality. He also called on Chinese enterprises operating in the country to show some corporate responsibility.
A total of 60 Chinese enterprises operating in South Africa took part in the job fair where they advertised the jobs for South Africans.
Maureen Mashabane, a manager from the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), welcomed the job fair.
She said that the jobs will help the country address unemployment and poverty which the country faces.
International relations undergraduate Abdikhaliqaz Mohamed said he is hoping to get a job as teacher in China after graduating.
"I have a bachelors of arts degree but now about to complete international relations. We appreciate the opportunity offered here," he said.
The fair was organized by the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Association (SACETA). SACETA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CATHSSETA where they promised to hold a job fair every year and employ South Africans.
SACETA comprise of 150 Chinese enterprises operating in South Africa with a total investment of over 14 billion U.S. dollars and directly employing 20,000 people.
