S. Africa to learn more about China in TV industry: minister

South Africa will learn more about China and its development in broadcast and the broader TV industry, Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi said on Wednesday.

Muthambi was speaking prior to a visit to China from July 23-27, with the aim of interacting with her Chinese counterparts on various issues relating to communications.

The minister said she will use the trip to gain more insights on the role that information and knowledge sharing can play in fostering economic growth while also fast-racking socioeconomic development and transformation.

During the five-day visit to Beijing, Muthambi will meet officials at the Chinese State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, as well as officials at the State Council Information Office.

"This visit serves as good opportunity to learn more about China and its development in broadcast and the broader TV industry. It is also meant to lay a foundation for further exchange and cooperation in these fields between the two countries," the minister said.

Muthambi will be accompanied by senior executives from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Broadcasting Digital Migration team from the Ministry of Communications.

To coincide with the visit, a ministerial workshop on development and management of radio and television media for developing countries will start on Thursday in Changsha City, Hunan Province as a joint effort to enhance cooperation and friendship between South Africa and China. Muthambi will attend the workshop before proceeding to Beijing.

Her visit comes one week after Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa visited China where he further cemented bilateral ties between the two countries. Enditem