6TH CHINA-AFRICA FUTURE LEADERS DIALOGUE
South African Cultural Innovator Mandisi Sindo Represents the Arts at the 6th China-Africa Future Leaders Dialogue
South African award-winning Shack Theatre originator, cultural entrepreneur, innovator and artivist Mandisi Sindo was among an esteemed group of emerging leaders from across Africa and China who participated in the 6th China-Africa Future Leaders Dialogue, held from 20–27 July 2026 in Chengdu, China.
The prestigious dialogue brought together young leaders from diverse sectors including politics, diplomacy, business, agriculture, education, technology, healthcare, innovation, and culture. Designed as a high-level symposium, the programme sought to strengthen China-Africa relations by fostering meaningful dialogue, exchanging ideas, building sustainable partnerships, and exploring collaborative solutions to shared challenges facing both continents.
The programme officially commenced with an opening address by Programme President Liu Quansberg, who welcomed delegates and outlined the vision and objectives of the dialogue. He introduced representatives from numerous African countries, including South Africa, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Somalia, Botswana, Benin, Namibia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Togo, Algeria, Gabon, Zimbabwe, and several other African nations.
South Africa's delegation included representatives of the China South Africa Youth Federation, led by Eastern Cape-born activist and Federation President Luyanda Jonas, accompanied by Deputy President Faith Sebopela. Joining them was Mandisi Sindo, invited in his capacity as a South African arts activist, cultural entrepreneur and innovator.
Following the official speeches, delegates were treated to captivating performances celebrating Chinese heritage through traditional martial arts, dance, and cultural presentations, setting the tone for a week dedicated to cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Source: Artivist Media
Asking the Big Question: How Do We Build Africa?
Reflecting on the experience, Sindo described the dialogue as both inspiring and transformative.
"It is such a profound experience to be part of the China-Africa Future Leaders conversations.
In the room we are asking one big question: How do we build Africa, and how do we collaborate across different sectors to do it?
I am the only artist in the room. The rest are politicians, ambassadors, medical students, business practitioners, agricultural experts, young teachers, student unions, youth federations and more. Different backgrounds, different tools, but one continent."
For Sindo, the diversity of expertise represented at the conference demonstrated that Africa's future requires collaboration beyond individual professions or industries.
He noted that many conversations centred not only on Africa's immense opportunities, but also on the challenges currently confronting the continent.
"What amazes me most is hearing how they think about Africa. Not just the opportunities, but the pain too. Especially the tensions we are facing right now as South Africa with other African countries.
The consensus is clear: these future leaders believe that South Africa must be the one to engage. We must be the ones to reach out, to mediate, to find ways for us to unite again. To lead not with arrogance, but with humility and vision."
Sindo explained that some of the most meaningful exchanges happened outside the formal programme.
"The conversations don't stop. At the table, in the corridors, over tea. And I leave each session inspired and moved."
Source: Artivist Media
The Artist's Place in Nation Building
As the only artist participating in many of the strategic discussions, Sindo said he felt a responsibility to ensure that culture remained part of conversations about Africa's future.
"As an artist, my role here is to remind them: nation building is not only policy and trade. It is also story, culture, healing and imagination. That is the work I bring to the table."
His contribution highlighted the often-overlooked role that artists and cultural practitioners play in shaping societies, strengthening identities, and fostering social cohesion.
Source: Artivist MediaLearning from China's Innovation and Infrastructure
One of the highlights of the programme was engaging directly with the leadership of some of China's largest construction and infrastructure companies, including Shudao Investment Group (SDIG) and China Railway Engineering Group Corporation (CREGC).
For Sindo, these engagements offered a fresh perspective on how infrastructure and innovation intersect with community development.
"Visiting and sitting down to talk with the leadership of some of the biggest construction companies in the world like SDIG and CREGC was an inspiring moment for me as an innovator.
Construction is at the core of what they do. From buildings, roads and railways to large-scale architecture that shapes entire cities. These are the companies building the physical foundations of the future.
To be in those rooms, as an artist and community builder, reminded me that innovation isn't only about technology. It's also about vision. About how we design spaces where people live, work, heal and gather. About how infrastructure can serve communities, not just profit.
The conversation was big. The scale was big. And I left deeply inspired by the possibilities of what we can build together."
He believes that true collaboration between Africa and China must extend beyond trade and diplomacy to include innovation, cultural exchange and empowering future leaders to build sustainable solutions.
"This is about exchange, collaboration and funding ourselves as African future leaders."
Source: Artivist MediaExploring China's Development Model
Throughout the week, delegates visited a wide range of institutions showcasing China's achievements in science, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and industrial development.
The delegation visited:
Sichuan Science and Technology Museum
Shudao Investment Group Co., Ltd
Xinchuan Innovation Technology Park
Sichuan Intelligent Manufacturing and Digital Transformation Empowerment Platform
Sichuan Museum
China Railway Engineering Group
Tianyi Nongyuan Art Expo Park
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Nanqiao Community in Dujiangyan City
Nongfu Spring Qingcheng Mountain Factory
Core Irrigation District Grain & Fruit Industrial Park
Niunianping Ten-Thousand-Mu Tea Garden
China Zangcha Tea Museum
Ya'an Polytechnic College
China Conservation & Research Centre for the Giant Panda – Ya'an Base
China Ya'an Big Data Industrial Park
Wanglaoji Great Health Industry Co., Ltd.
Each visit demonstrated how China integrates ancient knowledge with modern innovation, allowing delegates to witness how culture, technology, industry and community development can complement one another.
Source: Artivist MediaGratitude for Building Lasting Partnerships
Sindo extended his sincere appreciation to the organisations responsible for curating the programme.
"We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, the Tsinghua University Africa Centre, the Dujiangyan Municipal People's Government, the Ya'an Economic Cooperation and Foreign Affairs Bureau, the Chengdu People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the Government of the People's Republic of China.
Thank you for curating such a fruitful, engaging and diverse programme. The level of thought, hospitality and vision that went into this visit reflects the deep commitment China has to building real, people-to-people connections with Africa."
Turning Dialogue into Action
As the programme concluded, Sindo reflected on the significance of the friendships formed and the possibilities for future collaboration.
He believes South Africa and China share common values rooted in respect for culture, service to communities and investing in young leaders.
"This visit has laid a strong foundation," he said. "South Africa and China have much in common. Both nations honour culture and the arts. Both understand the importance of serving their people. Most importantly, both recognise that young people need spaces, skills and opportunities to lead.
"I leave China deeply inspired and excited by the friendships that have been built and the collaborations that have been unpacked during this visit. There is enormous potential for partnership.
"Now the real work begins turning dialogue into action, and friendship into sustainable collaboration."
Mandisi Sindo's participation in the 6th China-Africa Future Leaders Dialogue serves as a powerful reminder that artists have an essential role to play in shaping international partnerships. As Africa continues to redefine its future, voices from the creative and cultural sectors remain indispensable in ensuring that development is not only measured through infrastructure and economics, but also through culture, identity, imagination and the shared stories that unite people across continents.
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