Just a few days before President Cyril Ramaphosa begins a state visit to China, the Peace Ark vessel docked at a Cape Town port to offer comprehensive medical services. The Chinese ship’s program is in partnership with the South African Military Health Services, the Navy, and the Western Cape Department of Health.

The aim is to assist people who might not readily have access to medical care, including those living on the streets and in shelters.

Motshekga says the program involves Chinese and South African doctors from the Army’s Military Health Services.

The minister stated that the Chinese main mission is to provide health assistance, but not least important is their role as bringers of friendship, “it’s about strengthening relations and solidarity, as well as strengthening relations as the defense force”.

Last week, the South African presidency announced that President Ramaphosa will pay a state visit to the People’s Republic of China on September 2-5.

As reported by a press release, the trip aims to further strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.

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