Senior ANC members flew to China yesterday for a two-week study tour that will include hearing a lecture on the role of state-owned enterprises.

The African Union last week called on African countries to look to China for development because the snail's-pace flow of funds from Western nations and the World Bank.

The tour group is led by ANC national chairman Baleka Mbete and includes Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, Communications Minister Sphiwe Nyanda, Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Deputy Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba.

The 25-member delegation will attend lectures on China's national planning system and its reform commission, on local government, and on foreign policy.

The South African government has for years battled to manage state-owned enterprises and billions of rands are being pumped into them to rescue their operations.

President Jacob Zuma recently appointed a presidential state-owned enterprises review committee to chart a new direction for them.

The tour group will also learn about China's strategic role in the world and Africa, and about the Communist Party's political school.