South Africa has donated 1.5 million rand (about US$200,000) to China for its relief work and reconstruction in quake-hit Sichuan Province.

On May 12, an earthquake measuring 8.0 on Richter scale hit southwestern China, leaving 68,858 people dead, 366,586 injured and 18,618 missing as of Friday noon.

On behalf of the government, South African Vice Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad delivered the money to Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Zhong Jianhua.

Pahad said China has suffered huge human and property losses. The South African government offered its deep sympathy to China and spoke highly of the Chinese government's efforts in the disaster relief work.

South Africa will work together with the international community to provide assistance to China, Pahad said.

Zhong expressed his appreciation for South Africa, saying both countries have enjoyed a profound friendship.

The Chinese people will overcome the difficulty and rebuild their homes with help of the international community, Zhong said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 31, 2008)