CHARMAIN NAIDOO: I think China's loans are scary
'We’re cosying up to China big time and the question on everyone’s lips is this: Is getting into bed with China a good or a bad thing?'
What a hullabaloo there’s been at the announcement that China is to invest a whopping $14.7-billion in South Africa. The biggest screech has come from the fact that Eskom is borrowing $2.5-billion from the China Development Bank. We’re cosying up to China big time and the question on everyone’s lips is this: Is getting into bed with China a good or a bad thing? There are loud and repeated cries that China is colonising Africa. Actually, I think that ship’s sailed.One of the largest government buildings in Accra, Ghana, is shaped like a giant pagoda. Not surprising, since it was built by the Chinese. In Mozambique, a Chinese frieze adorned with old Fu Manchu moustached men graces the entrance to one of the high courts. Again, the chiselled Chinese stonework symbolises the art from very distinct Ming Dynasty and is the remaining remnant of the Chinese build. On a recent trip to Sierra Leone – as part of the Commonwealth Observer Mission to ensure that the country’s elections were free...
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