On 30 May 2025, two students from Stellenbosch University (SU), Taaraa Lakay and Ashiquah Norodien, showcased their talent and cultural insight at the South Africa Division Final of the 24th “Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, earning a joint third prize and placing third and fourth overall in this competitive national event.
Hosted at the Grand Hall of the Marriott Hotel in Cape Town, the event brought together fifteen top Chinese language students from across South Africa. It was hosted by the Chinese Embassy, organized by the “Chinese Bridge" Club (Cape Town Station), and supported by Confucius Institutes and Classrooms nationwide.
Representing SU's Department of Modern Foreign Languages, Taaraa (a second-year student majoring in Chinese and English) and Ashiquah (a fourth-year student majoring in Chinese and German) prepared for the event through months of dedicated training. Their impressive performances were made possible with additional support from the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU), which worked closely with the department's Chinese language lecturers to guide and coach the students.
“Participating in this competition was like a thrilling rollercoaster ride," said Taaraa. “Although the preparation was filled with challenges, the reward at this moment makes every effort worthwhile."
The competition theme, “One World, One Family," was reflected in three segments: a cultural quiz, a Chinese speech, and a talent showcase. In the quiz, both students demonstrated strong knowledge of Chinese culture.
Ashiquah's speech, “A Journey Through Chinese Songs," drew from her experience at a winter camp in Xiamen, where music helped her form deep friendships.
“In the future, I will continue to share the beauty of Chinese culture through music," she said. “I hope to keep singing Chinese songs so that more people can appreciate the richness of Chinese music."
Taaraa's speech, “A Cup of Tea Connects the World – Blossoming Together," reflected her journey through Chinese tea culture. When asked by judges what tea meant to her, she responded:
“Tea is a form of culture, and tea art is a cultural expression. Each tea variety carries its own unique charm and beauty."
Their performances extended beyond speeches — Ashiquah captivated the audience with a moving rendition of the Mandarin song “Your Name Engraved Herein" while Taaraa performed a graceful Yang-style 24-form Tai Chi routine and demonstrated her calligraphy skills, writing the characters for “Harmony between Heaven and Humanity."
The “Chinese Bridge" competition is the world's largest Chinese language contest, spanning more than 100 countries. Its South African leg was opened with a video message from Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng and closed with remarks from Deputy Consul General Tang Chang'an.
The CISU and Department of Modern Foreign Languages has long been dedicated to promoting Chinese language education and fostering cultural exchange, building a bridge for South African students to deepen their understanding of China. Looking ahead, the Institute and the Department will remain committed to its mission, continuing to nurture Chinese language proficiency and strengthen cultural ties between South Africa and China.
