“Taking Notes”: Gauteng Activist Pieter Kriel Makes Waves at Black Business Summit in China
- Gauteng human rights activist Pieter Kriel attended the China Black Business Summit in Guangzhou
- The political commentator shared photos of himself meeting business leaders and said he's learning and listening to understand how China reduced extreme inequality
- South Africans praised the young activist, calling him impressive and inspiring, with many saying he's a genuine patriot
Source: Facebook
Gauteng human rights activist and political commentator Pieter Kriel shared photos on his Facebook page on 16 November 2025 from his trip to Guangzhou, China, where he attended the China Black Business Summit as a speaker. The young activist posted pictures of himself with different business leaders at the Ritz Hotel, captioning the post:
"Meeting minds here that remind me why we fight for dignity back home. I'm learning, listening, and taking notes like my life depends on it."
The summit took place on 16 November and brought together descendants of visionaries, changemakers, founders, leaders, executives and entrepreneurs. The event's theme, "Roots to Rise: Building Black Empires," called for the community to unite their hearts and hands, cultivate awareness and co-create for empowerment and liberation. It invited people to return to a culture of exchange where collaboration beats competition and generosity creates the blueprint for success.
Learning from China's approach to inequality
Pieter shared a video explaining what he hoped to learn from the trip. "We are about to head out into the city where we'll be speaking to many people in business, trying to understand how business and business opportunities work here in China," he said.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
The activist explained that while South Africa shouldn't copy China in everything, there's a lot to learn from how China approached inequality.
"When you look at China compared to 40 years ago, they reduced poverty and extreme inequality by almost 100%. Don't copy China, but take notes, listen and be ready to learn, and that's what we're going to do," Pieter explained.
Pieter went on to say that he spoke about empowerment, the Diaspora, and real strategies to lift communities at the summit. He mentioned that solving the problems of the world starts by recognising the problems in Africa and solving them; if you solve the problems in Africa, you solve the problems of the world.
Source: Facebook
SA reacts to Pieter's China trip
Netizens shared their love on the Facebook page @realpieterkriel's post, where Pieter spoke at the China Black Business Summit 2025:
@christopherjacobs joked:
"Eish, I think I was born in the wrong era 😂😂🙌."
@thomasseloga said:
"Let's put Pieter on the billboard."
@pieterjoubert wrote:
"Going to take hard work, but only a new generation of good people can fix what is all wrong in SA. The first step is overcoming the 'Us and them' attitude from both ends. Needs to change to a 'We' attitude. We're all in the same boat and need to row in the same direction."
@bennievannieuwenhuizen gushed:
"Make us proud, Pieter Kriel. I know you are going to do a splendid job over there!"
@philimbongwe shared:
"Genuine love for his fellow South African. Keep it up, Pieter."
@warrenhansen added:
"Well done, young man. You are really impressive and inspiring to many young and old South Africans."
View the Facebook photos here.
More Pieter Kriel stories
- Briefly News recently reported on activist Pieter Kriel sharing a heartfelt video from his visit to Palestine.
- The Gauteng human rights activist shared a video discussing how the world sees Africa and its people.
- Pieter Kriel called out small groups like AfriForum and Solidariteit after Donald Trump announced he'll boycott the G20 summit in South Africa.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
