South Africa hosted a day of festivities as it celebrated South Africa Pavilion National Day and Women's Day at Shanghai Expo on August 9th.

A number of delegates attended the flag-hoisting ceremony led by Ms. Baleka Mbete, former deputy president of South Africa, chairperson of the African National Congress; and Ms. Meng Xiaosi, vice president of the All-China Women's Federation. Those present had a pleasant conversation highlighting the significance of the day and the development of bilateral relationship between China and South Africa.

Ms. Mbete said that while the key reasons for the South Africa's National Women's Day are unique to the history of the country, the celebration represented deeper issues like women's rights, an issue which is relevant to women all around the world. The role of women has changed dramatically during the past few decades. Today, women are contributing even more to society as a result of being better educated, which enables them to become community, society and world leaders.

Ms. Mbete also said that the Shanghai Expo has provided an excellent platform for South Africa to showcase its development in various fields. She said she was delighted to share the National Women's Day with China and celebrate how far the two countries have progressed with women's rights.

Participants also enjoyed a high-quality performance presented by South African singers at the Expo Center.

After the ceremony, Ms. Lulu Xingwana, South Africa's minister of arts and culture visited the China Pavilion accompanied by China's delegates. The South African guests were introduced to the renowned Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, the Bronze Chariots and Horses-centerpiece of the Terracotta Warriors and other features of the China Pavilion.

The delegates were also invited to a cocktail party held at the South Africa Pavilion. Ms. Xingwana and the Expo's Deputy Commissioner General Ms. Liu Fei, cut a cake specially made in honor of National Women's Day.

Celebrations wrapped up the day with performances by four of South Africa's top female performers at the Expo Centre.

National Women's Day is an annual public holiday in South Africa on August 9. It commemorates the national march of women on this day in 1956 to petition against legislation that required African persons to carry special identification documents which curtailed an African's freedom of movement during the apartheid era.

Video: Huang Lan