His Excellency WU Peng, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China and Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae
Mangaung
Every foreign company which aims to invest in the Free State province must abide by labour laws of the country.
That was the view of Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae during her meeting with His Excellency WU Peng, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of South Africa.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae told Mr. Peng that the Free State could do with investment to address the high unemployment rates in the province, however the laws of the country must be respected.
“We would really appreciate investment from Chinese companies because our people need jobs. Having said that, I cannot stress the importance of respecting our labour laws enough. Those who wish to invest in our province are welcomed, but they must respect our laws,” said Premier Letsoha-Mathae.
On the 3rd of October 2024, Premier Letsoha-Mathae and MEC Ketso Makume visited Hangda, a steel making Chinese company in Thaba Nchu. To their horror, the Premier and MEC discovered terrible working conditions on arrival.
The owners were even selling alcohol to the workers inside the premises.
“We must speak the truth and nothing but the truth and condemn such conduct,” she said. Mr. Peng assured the Premier that his government will not allow such conduct from their countrymen.
“I always tell Chinese companies to respect the rules of our host countries, so if there are companies that are not complying, I can intervene. I have the authority to do so,” said Mr. Peng.
The two leaders agreed to have discussions on investment before the end of the year to explore potential investment opportunities.
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