Seizing Opportunities

Petra Langa, wife of B. W. J. Langa, South Africa's ambassador to China [Women of China English Monthly/Zhang Jiamin]

Petra Langa, wife of B. W. J. Langa, South Africa's ambassador to China, tries to seize the opportunities in China, which she says are many.  Petra Langa, who was born in Germany, emigrated to South Africa in 1993. She now refers to South Africa as her home.

When her husband was posted in China three years ago, Petra Langa had no idea what the Middle Kingdom had in store for her, but she soon realized that China was in fact a very welcoming country.

"On arrival here, we were pleased to find Chinese people so warm and welcoming," Petra Langa says. "We also feel very safe living in Beijing."

In addition to her role as the ambassador's wife, Petra Langa, who has a Ph.D. in literature, is trying her hand at writing a novel. She includes Chinese locations, and her experiences in China, in some of her stories. She says it is important that an ambassador's wife has a hobby.

"Many ambassadors' spouses give up their work and professional lives. I believe that living abroad offers an opportunity to broaden one's horizons. At the same time, it means adapting one's daily life to different countries and customs," Petra Langa says.

"This is (my) first book … It has a strong Chinese flavor, and part of the story takes place in Beijing … I use the locations that I have come to know in Beijing.

"As the ambassador's spouse, I regularly participate in official events organized by the embassy, including receiving South African delegations. I enjoy representing my country, and I am proud of its achievements. At the same time, it is important for me to study the Chinese language, as it is one of the ways to learn about Chinese thinking and culture. It keeps my feet on the ground. Otherwise, I might find myself living in a diplomatic bubble," she adds.

It is difficult to point out the similarities between Chinese and South African women, Petra Langa says. As is the case in other regions of the world, Chinese and South African women face the same struggles as women all over the world, she adds. They have the same need for equal rights and opportunities, she continues. South African women do not make up a homogenous group, she says.

"I believe a woman living in Guangzhou has more (in common with) a woman in Beijing than do black and white women in South Africa. The differences in China are perhaps greater between rural and urban women. In South Africa, women of different colors still face very different challenges. Unfortunately, African women are still the poorest, and the most vulnerable … to violence and exploitation. While the situation in South Africa has been much improved since the democratization of the country, black women are still disadvantaged, with fewer opportunities than their white counterparts.

"I believe South Africa is an interesting country; they call us the ‘rainbow nation’, as we are a multiracial society that allows us to harvest the talents of many different people. Chinese people sometimes believe that you have to be black to be from South Africa, but we are a country of different ethnicities, and we have 11 official languages. Afrikaans, the language spoken by early Dutch settlers, is the youngest language in the world. South Africans are like Chinese people, in that they deeply care about others. The Chinese can be very playful, and so are we sometimes. Even if Chinese people are not as expressive as South Africans, I admire them for their honesty … When two Chinese are good friends, they are not afraid to offer honest criticism," Petra Langa says.

Official relations between the People's Republic of China and South Africa were established in 1998. China was a staunch supporter of the struggle for liberation in South Africa. This year, China and South Africa celebrated 15 years of diplomatic relations.

"On the African continent, we are the most powerful economy, and we are seen as the gateway for China into Africa … After our first democratic elections, in 1994, we started trading with China. Today, China is South Africa's biggest trading partner," Petra Langa says.

"We trade in commodities such as minerals, fruits and wine. We have built strong relationships, at both the economic and political levels. Chinese President Xi Jinping came to South Africa as one of the first countries he visited after he took office, and President Jacob Zuma was here for a visit last year," she adds.

"The embassy holds a few events every year to promote South Africa in China. The biggest (event) is held in April to celebrate Freedom Day, which commemorates South Africa's first democratic elections. Mandela Day is the day of celebration for the great man (Nelson Mandela) … and to honor him as the founding father of a democratic South Africa," Petra Langa says.

As an ambassador's wife, Petra Langa has many opportunities to travel throughout China. Still, one of her favorite places is the Great Wall. "I never get tired of visiting the Great Wall. It is such a magical place. One of the most beautiful places is Anhui Province. Its breathtaking mountainous landscapes create a dreamlike atmosphere," Langa says.

"I would suggest Chinese people not only visit Cape Town when they travel to South Africa. There are many places of captivating beauty, such as Durban and the northern coastal stretches with beach resorts, such as Umhlanga Rocks. Kruger National Park, the bush that is home to the 'Great Five African animals', is a magical kingdom where humans have to live by the rules of nature. Chinese visitors can rent a car and drive around. The good road infrastructure in South Africa allows easy access, and visitors will be able to see places that are unforgettable, as they are amazingly beautiful," Petra Langa says.

(Source: Women of China English Monthly January 2014 Issue)