scene of the signing ceremony

Hong Hao (right), director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, shake hands with Ndumiso Ndima Ntshinga, South African ambassador to China and commissioner-general of the country's Expo exhibition at the signing ceremony.

Ndumiso Ndima Ntshinga, South African ambassador to China and commissioner-general of the country's Expo exhibition

Hong Hao, director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination

The Republic of South Africa will create a visual representation of the regeneration of its cities at Shanghai World Expo, the country confirmed when inking a participation contract with organizers.

The country is the only on the African Continent to build its own pavilion. It has secured a 2,000-square-meter space for its pavilion.

The key word of the country's show is "phoenix," as the bird is linked with immortality and regeneration in myth, which can reflect the theme of its exhibition, said Ndumiso Ndima Ntshinga, South African ambassador to China, at the signing ceremony.

South African cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg are facing the challenge of creating a better life for residents under the backdrop of a population explosion, and revitalizing some communities where development lags behind others is vital, said the ambassador who also serves as the commissioner-general of the country's exhibition.

The African country's efforts in eliminating racial and sexual discrimination to create a fair and harmonious society will also be presented at the 2010 event.

Hong Hao, director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, said Shanghai Expo organizers look forward to further deepening cooperation and exchange with South Africa -- which will host the soccer World Cup in 2010 -- to share experiences as a host of a large-scale international event.