China's governance serves good lessons, S. African scholar says

China's governance system serves good lessons for both developing and developed countries across the world, said a South African scholar who has penned a book that analyzes Chinese President Xi Jinping's thinking in governance and relations with the region and the world.

Paul Tembe, a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of South Africa's department of linguistics and modern languages, launched the book titled Xi Jinping Thought — Through South African Eyes this week ahead of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The book cites some good approaches introduced by Xi which could be used in South Africa and other parts of the world. Tembe wrote that developing and developed countries could learn from China's governance system.

"If there is one area in which the People's Republic of China can inarguably impact the best lessons for both developed and developing countries in the Global South and North, it is the area of public governance. There in the sphere of governance systems and capabilities, the People's Republic of China has thrived and provided the institutional ammunition — revolutionarily so throughout human history — to drive the processes of opening up and reform," said Tembe in his book.

He said he asked direct questions in the book and offered direct suggestions without fear or favor. Tembe said he is not praising China and lampooning his country, but is being realistic.

For instance, China implemented reforms and changed its education system with a focus on innovation and technology, he said, adding that South Africa has to change its education system and incorporate traditional value systems with governance like China, coupled with short- and long-term plans.

Li Zhigang, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in South Africa, congratulated Tembe on the launch of the book. He said the book will help Chinese and African people understand each other.

"Dr Tembe's book launch today is very timely. It will help our two sides enhance the exchanges of ideas, build trust and promote mutual appreciation between our civilizations. I am confident that there will be more excellent works like this one in the future," he said at the launch ceremony of the book in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The book launch was attended by diplomats, politicians, students and members of the business community and civil society. The book is published in English, Swahili and Chinese.

Siyasanga Tyali, acting director of the University of South Africa's school of arts, said the book is an effort to understand Xi's philosophy and leadership on governance.

Global solutions

"The book shows global challenges and their respective solutions, and how they find expressions on the global stage. China has uplifted millions of people out of poverty through making strategic interventions. The country leads in technology, innovation and talent development," he said.

Understanding the Chinese approach to doing things is of great interest to the rest of the world, he said. "We do anticipate the book by Dr Tembe will give insights into President Xi Jinping's philosophy, which we can explore and grapple with when it comes to lifting people out of poverty."

Salim Milanzi, Tanzania's high commissioner in South Africa, said the book would be important for academia and policymakers to understand and learn valuable lessons.

Milanzi said China has demonstrated that it is an all-weather friend and genuine.

Tembe's 318-page book gives insights into what led China to rise to be the second biggest economy in the world and gives examples of valuable lessons that Africa and the world can emulate.

The writer is a freelance writer for China Daily.

NDUMISO MLILO in Johannesburg, South Africa