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Robert Kotze honoured for role in Confucius Institute at SU	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=8655	Robert Kotze honoured for role in Confucius Institute at SU	Engela Duvenage	<p>During a recent virtual event hosted from Beijing, China, Robert Kotze, senior director of Stellenbosch University (SU) International, was awarded a long-service medal in recognition of his involvement in supporting the work of the <a href="http://www0.sun.ac.za/cisu/">Confucius Institute at SU</a> (CISU) for more than a decade. CISU not only conducts extracurricular Chinese training at SU itself, but at schools and institutions in the broader Boland region as well.<br></p><p>Kotze, who serves as the local CISU director, was one of 75 directors worldwide to receive this recognition. His fellow recipients included peers from other African universities in Egypt, Madagascar, Kenya and Rwanda, among others. </p><p>The event was hosted by the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF), an international NGO that recently took over the coordination of programmes that promote the Chinese language and culture throughout the world. The initiative sees Chinese universities provide teaching, personnel resources and operational funding to more than a thousand Confucius institutes or classrooms worldwide. </p><p>In his keynote address, CIEF president Prof Yang Wei thanked medal recipients for the way in which they had been supporting Chinese teaching and learning at their respective institutions. Short videos were also shown to highlight the endeavours of various Confucius institutes. </p><p>CISU was established in 2007. Kotze thanked SU's Chinese partner institution, Xiamen University, for their ongoing support since inception, as well as for the honour of having served alongside five enthusiastic and committed Chinese co-directors at SU during this time. Prof Binlan Huang is the current Chinese co-director at CISU. </p><p>First established at SU's Centre for Chinese Studies, CISU moved to SU International in 2009. It provides non-credit-bearing language training at different proficiency levels to SU students as well as members of the broader Stellenbosch community, as well as opportunities to learn more about the Chinese culture. “The main mission is to accommodate people who are interested and willing to learn the Chinese language and understand the culture," Kotze explains.</p><p>CISU also coordinates a range of enrichment programmes at 14 schools in and around Stellenbosch and elsewhere in the Boland, such as Kylemore Secondary and Worcester Gymnasium. “I believe CISU's contribution is meaningful and opens up new worlds to the learners," Kotze says. “It has also allowed the University to forge relationships with these local schools."</p><p>In addition, its involvement with the Confucius Institute has enabled SU to strengthen its academic network in China. Over the years, the University has facilitated many summer and winter camps for learners and students, as well as the compulsory semester exchange to China for Chinese Language honours students as part of their graduate programme. “The Confucius Institute's work is grounded in broader academic collaborations to ensure that links between universities remain rooted in their respective scientific endeavours."</p><p>His work with the Confucius Institute has also been beneficial from a personal growth perspective, Kotze says. “It has given me many opportunities to visit China and learn more about various aspects of Chinese culture and history. Apart from training and capacity-building opportunities, the programmes always include rich cultural activities. Going to Beijing is always a special experience, and my visits to Zhangjiajie and the Terracotta Soldiers in Xi'an are also lifelong memories."</p><ul><li>For more information about the Confucius Institute at SU, visit www.sun.ac.za/cisu.<br></li></ul><p><br></p>
The CISU Collaborates With the Confucius Institute at the UWC to hold a Lecture on Chinese Medicine.	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6975	The CISU Collaborates With the Confucius Institute at the UWC to hold a Lecture on Chinese Medicine.	CISU	<p>On October 24th, local time in South Africa, a lecture on Chinese medicine knowledge and acupuncture treatment was held in the auditorium of the Stellenbosch University Library. The lecturer was Ma Xuesheng from the Department of Natural Medicine of the Western Cape University in South Africa and Dr. Ge Qiongxiang from the Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. More than 30 people from the Stellenbosch University and local Chinese medicine enthusiasts participated in the event.<br></p><p>At 5 pm local time, the Chinese medicine lecture started on time. First of all, Mr. Ma combined his own experience to introduce the history of traditional Chinese medicine, the basic theory of Chinese medicine (yin and yang), the main methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases and the comparison of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. At the same time, he also introduced two characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine: the overall thinking method and individualized treatment methods. When introducing the theory of balance between yin and yang, the audience at the scene expressed their admiration for the wisdom of the Chinese.</p><p>After that, Miss Ge introduced the history of TCM topical medicine systematically. She introduced the difference between TCM internal medicine and external medicine, and introduced the modern medical treatment method, which combines TCM external medicine and Western medicine operation. The audience can further grasp the profound connotation and cultural charm of Chinese medicine.</p><p>Finally, Mr. Ma and Miss. Ge enthusiastically answered questions from the audience and showed the audience how to treat themselves through traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, which pushed the atmosphere of learning Chinese medicine and understanding Chinese medicine to the summit. The event not only promoted the popularization of Chinese medicine knowledge in the local area, but also promoted the communication of Chinese medicine lovers between China and South Africa.<br></p><p><br></p>
The seeds of Chinese are Sprouting	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=8403	The seeds of Chinese are Sprouting	Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University	<p>On 6-7 June 2021, the South African final of the 20th CHINESE BRIDGE Chinese Proficiency Competition for College Students was successfully held. Three contestants from the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University took part in the competition. Elke Swart won the third prize and Carla Gaskin and Wisdom Peru won the Excellent Award. <br></p><p><img alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/CIbanner.jpg" alt="CIbanner.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br></p><p><br><br></p><p>They each demonstrated their Chinese ability and artistic talent very well and achieved good results with limited preparation time. The students worked very hard and challenged themselves by stepping out of their comfort zones. They gained great experience and in-depth thinking as a result. </p><p>All three participants said that their experience of the competition was very well memorable and will stay with them for years to come and that they would like to participate again if given the opportunity. In addition, the students shared that enjoying the different and exciting performances of the other competitors was the best part of the competition. This is in line with the mission of the Chinese Bridge competition - the Chinese Bridge is a grand event for humanistic exchanges between Chinese and foreign youths and a "bridge of culture, friendship and heart" that connects the world.<br><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
The CISU Celebrates the 13th UN International Chinese Language Day	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9119	The CISU Celebrates the 13th UN International Chinese Language Day	Professor Binlan Huang	<p></p><div>UN International Chinese Language Day is observed annually on April 20 and seeks to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity. It also promotes the equal use of the UN's six official languages within its organization.</div><div><br>To celebrate the 13th UN International Chinese Language Day in 2022, the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU) held two lectures and several activities at Stellenbosch High School. About 50 students, teachers, and parents attended the lectures. In addition to this school, the CISU held cultural activities at other venues, ranging from the SU campus to some of our other local schools, such as Kylemore High School and Rietenbosch Primary School, the latter of which has its own CISU Classroom.<br></div><div><br></div><div> Activities included writing the 'Fu' (福) character, making lanterns, and practicing Chinese Tai Chi and martial arts. More than 100 students and teachers participated in these activities. Since the covid pandemic in 2020, this is the first time for the CISU to hold on-site lectures and conduct cultural activities. The lectures and activities were well received and enjoyed immensely! </div><div><br></div><div>The first lecture was about “China's 24 Solar Terms" and was presented by our CISU lecturer, Yang Jia. He introduced this system and then explained its significance. He said that “Guyu", the sixth solar term, begins on April 20, and it was thus chosen to be the UN International Chinese Language Day.</div><div><br></div><div>The second lecture “The Deeper Cultural Connotations of Chinese Characters" was delivered by CISU Chinese lecturer, Mikaela Keen. Chinese characters, she said, were a rich and nuanced conveyer of Chinese traditional culture. “Ideographic characters", for example, are a combination of a specific image (shape), a sound (phonetic element), and meaning (story). The shape shows an instantly recognizable image. Therefore, Chinese characters are rich and layered in meaning. If we take the 福 ("Fú" ) and 家 ("Jiā") characters as examples, we can see how they illustrate meaning. These kinds of insights will not only help learners memorize characters, but will also allow them to appreciate the visual poetry therein. This, in turn, may cultivate the learners' love for Chinese characters and enhance their literacy and motivation.<br></div><p><br></p>
CISU Offers South African Students a taste of the traditional Chinese "Dragon Boat Festival"	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9227	CISU Offers South African Students a taste of the traditional Chinese "Dragon Boat Festival"	Professor Huang Binlan	<p>On 3rd June 2022, Worcester Gymnasium was honored to be part of an activity day celebrating Chinese culture, cuisine, and language. This day of enrichment was brought to Worcester by Professor Binlan Huang, Chinese Co-Director of CISU (Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University), and two CISU teachers.<br></p><p><img src="/english/confucius-institute/PublishingImages/testing-2/1.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p>Despite the suspension of Chinese classes during the pandemic, this event was well-attended, attracting over 130 teachers and students, all eager to learn more about this special day. In China, Dragon Boat Festival is a time to attend to issues surrounding health and emotional wellbeing, a message poignant to us in our current times.<br></p><p><br></p><p>In keeping with the spirit of this event, there was something for heart, body, mind, and spirit. Students took part in a lively session of Taichi, as well as a calming calligraphy session where they wrote the words “Ping An” (peace/ wellbeing). Students also got to express their creativity and made bright red dragon boats, the color being synonymous with vitality and celebration in China.</p><p><img src="/english/confucius-institute/PublishingImages/testing-2/2.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br>In celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival, Worcester Gymnasium students were also exposed to the culture and tradition surrounding this special day.<br></p><p><br></p><div>Firstly, students were entranced by the first presentation, the story of the Dragon Boat Festival. The story focuses on a poet of royal descent who deeply loved his country. His noble aspirations are thwarted by the Qin emperor, and thus, anguished, he throws himself into the river. His followers, who love him dearly, rush to his aid in boats. Too late, they throw rice balls into the water to stop the fish from consuming his body.</div><div><br></div><div>Food in China is not only a culinary experience but steeped in history, myth, and legend, too. Having heard the origins of Dragon Boat’s “Sticky Rice Dumplings”, students got to use a pair of chopsticks and try them for themselves. Chopsticks, the students learned, are more than just tools with which to eat. The second presentation explained just that, showing them the meaning and symbolism surrounding these modest sticks, as well as their etiquette and taboos. <br></div><div><br><br><img src="/english/confucius-institute/PublishingImages/testing-2/3.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br></div><div><img src="/english/confucius-institute/PublishingImages/testing-2/4.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br></div><div><br></div><div>Overall the event was a great success, and participants all hope there will be many more. <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
Chinese Spring Festival 2022	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9144	Chinese Spring Festival 2022	Professor Binlan Huang	<p>In 2022, CISU celebrated the Chinese Spring Festival on the first 3 days of February. The last day of January is considered “Spring Festivals Eve”. This festival is an event that is celebrated by more than 1.6 million Chinese and Southeast Asians, as well as other Asians living around the world. Due to the fact that it is based on the lunar calendar, the date may thus differ every year. Discover more about this widely celebrated event <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsRQCYudFZQ">here</a>!<br></p><p><br></p>
Celebrating 15 years of promoting Chinese language and culture	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9576	Celebrating 15 years of promoting Chinese language and culture	Daniel Bugan	<p>The Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU) recently celebrated its 15-year anniversary.<br></p><p>The Institute is a non-profit public institution that aims to promote Chinese language and culture. Following the successes of Germany, France, Spain, and the UK to promote their national languages, China decided in 2004 to do the same by establishing Confucius Institutes with offices all over the globe. The headquarters are in Beijing. <br></p><p>CISU has been located in Stellenbosch University International (SUI) since 2007 and offers non-credit-bearing courses to SU students and staff and schools in and around Stellenbosch in partnership with the Xiamen University.<br></p><p>The anniversary celebrations, which took place at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) on 8 November, drew guests from the Chinese Consulate in Cape Town, the Chinese Embassy, Confucius Institutes from across South Africa and Africa, SU students and staff, as well as teachers from participating schools.<br></p><p>Robert Kotze, Senior Director of SUI and South African Co-Director of CISU, said the 15-year anniversary is testament not only to SU's commitment to internationalisation but also to its efforts to bring internationalisation to the community.<br></p><p>“CISU contributes a lot to extra-mural programmes at the schools in the community and through that we bring international experience to the learners at the different schools. The Institute also contributes to and supports collaboration at an academic level. My focus is to make a difference in the lives of students and staff and through the Institute I can do just that."<br></p><p>He said future plans for CISU include increasing their staff complement in order to reach more schools, to host more in-person cultural events and to attract more visiting arts and cultural influence from China.<br></p><p>Prof Huang Binlan, Chinese Co-Director of CISU, said: “During the past 15 years we've had good interaction with students on the SU campus and learners from the schools in the community and they have greatly benefitted from our cultural programmes."<br></p><p>Tang Chang'an, Acting Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Cape Town, congratulated CISU for its role in promoting Chinese teaching, cultural activities and people-to-people communication between China and South Africa.<br></p><p>“Expressing cultural exchanges is an important means to promote mutual understanding and to enhance feelings between the two countries. In this regard I believe that CISU and all the Confucius Institutes will play a big role."<br></p><p><strong>Ambassador's Award</strong><br></p><p> The celebrations also featured the inaugural Ambassador's Award for the best CISU essay. The award went to BA (international studies) student Samantha Cox. The contest required participants to write essays that strengthen the friendship between South Africa and China, increase South African youth's understanding of China's recent development and promote South Africa-China people-to-people exchanges.</p><p> Cox's essay focused on poverty alleviation, exploring China's successful efforts in this regard and comparing it to what South Africa is doing in that space. It also focused on what South Africa can learn from China's poverty alleviation efforts and how a partnership can be mutually beneficial.</p><p>“It's huge!" she said of the award. “My journey with Chinese started three years ago. What was initially an accidental choice, became such a huge part of my life and I could not have imagined the past three years without Chinese as a language and a culture. I've learnt so much from both my teachers and my studies. To see that rewarded in such a tangible way means the world to me."<br></p><p>First prize went to Lola Meyer and Elizabeth Visser, while Cassandra Barker and Gosego Dibate scooped second prize. Third prize was shared by Tomo Daiber, Cole Baker, Du Toit van der Merwe and Kgothatso Martin Mkabela.<br></p><p>The Ambassador Award will be up for grabs in 2023 once more.<br></p><p><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/CONFUCIUS%20(CISU)22-2.jpg" alt="CONFUCIUS (CISU)22-2.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:865px;" /> </p><p>(<span class="ms-rteFontSize-1">Photo: Delegates attending celebration</span>)</p><p><br></p>
Confucius Institute at stellenbosch university successfully held the "Close to China" theme Chinese club	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6976	Confucius Institute at stellenbosch university successfully held the "Close to China" theme Chinese club	CISU	<p>On September 27 2019, at 5 pm, Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University officially held chinese club, which theme is “Close to China”. The participants included Confucius Institute students, staffs of the International Department of the University, local Chinese and their children, etc., totally more than 40 people participated in .<br></p><p>The activity is divided into two parts. Firstly, cisu’s teachers introduce their hometowns in turn. The first teacher come to the stage was Zheng Shengyin, a professional teacher from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. She started from the "clothing, food, housing and travel" and other aspects in Hangzhou. Another teacher, An Kang, used a tourism propaganda film about Guizhou and supplemented her own rural life experience to sing the plateau mountain features of the southwestern border of China and the people's style of China's new countryside.</p><p>The second part of the event was about the students who participated in the summer camp and the winter camp to tell what they saw and felt in China. Riyard and Tarah shared their experience to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Xiamen. Ruo yijie, a Stellenbosch high school student, recalled her summer camp tour: "In fact, I can’t remember most of the sights that I have travelled, but the tension, excitement feeling are still rooted in my heart and printed in your own mind. After the sharing part, the participants took a group photo together.</p><p>As a Confucius Institute that has been established for ten years, the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University has always remembered its mission "spreading Chinese culture and telling the story of China." The event not only allowed the participants to appreciate the customs of different regions in the eastern and western parts of China, but also indirectly examined the effectiveness of the Confucius Institute students in participating in summer camps and winter camps.<br></p><p><br></p>
SU Student Takes First Prize in “the 21st Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9239	SU Student Takes First Prize in “the 21st Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition	Professor Binlan Huang	<p>The Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU) received news yesterday that one of the university’s very own students, Iola Meyer, won first place in the 21st Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in South Africa, an internationally hailed Chinese proficiency competition! This marks the first time in five years that Stellenbosch University is bestowed this honour. <br></p><div><br></div><div>Hosted by the Chinese Embassy of South Africa at the University of Johannesburg, it was attended by some big names, including His Excellency Chen Xiaodong (Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of South Africa), Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala (Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg), Prof. Huang Wei (President of Asia Pacific Engineering Federation and Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences), Mr Tang Zhongdong (Consul General of Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg), Mr Li Xudong (Education Counsellor, Chinese Embassy in South Africa) and Mr Chen Kan (Deputy General Manager of Huawei South Africa). </div><div><br></div><div>The significance of the Chinese Bridge Competition is two-fold. As many would attest, language lies at the heart of a culture and thus broadens the horizons of those who seek to learn it. These insights bring secondary benefits in that they facilitate exchange and cooperation between the people of China and South Africa.</div><div><br></div><div>The theme of this year’s event was aptly named "One World, One Family" and was live-streamed. All 6 Confucius Institutes and 2 Confucius Classrooms around the country watched in anticipation as their students strived to do their best in the three areas: 1. a written test (general knowledge test), 2. a speech (speaking test), and 3. Talent show (dramatic or artistic performance). Much to the excitement of the CISU, Iola Meyer achieved full marks in the written component, charmed the judges with her shadow puppet rendition of "Chang'e Flying to the Moon" and was awarded “The Huawei Cup”. </div><div><br></div><div>Iola Meyer, Chinese name “Mei Xiaoai”, expressed her thanks to her teachers both at CISU and at SU’s Department of Modern Foreign Languages. She adds, “even if you don't come first, you will definitely still 'win' in experience”. </div><div><br></div><div>The CISU hopes that the students of South Africa continue to avail themselves of this wonderful opportunity in years to come. It can only enrich us all, and truly bring about "One World, One Family".</div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p>
CISU 2023 school education delegation gets inspiration in China	http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10310	CISU 2023 school education delegation gets inspiration in China	CISU	<p>The 2023 Chinese Bridge school education delegation to China, jointly organised by the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU) and Xiamen University, embarked on a transformative ten-day expedition in September. Hailing from the Cape Winelands education district, the diverse delegation (pictured below) included the district director, Jeanette Harker, along with principals and subject heads from Rhenish Girls’ High, Stellenbosch High, Makupula Secondary, Worcester Gymnasium, Kylemore High as well as Rhenish, Eikestad and Rietenbosch primary schools.<br></p><p>The delegates were hosted by the China Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), which plays a key role in promoting Chinese language and culture teaching outside China. As such, the overall aim of the visit was to provide assistance to South African institutions that were willing to initiate or promote Chinese learning projects, and to establish language exchange partnerships between Chinese and South African schools.</p><p>Upon their arrival, the group was welcomed by Xiamen University's dean of Chinese International Education, Chen Zhiwei.<br></p><strong>Immersed in both education and culture</strong><p>The visit was a blend of education and culture. Delegates had the opportunity to explore various facets of China's education system. Visits to schools such as the First Middle School of Tong'an District and the Experimental Chinese School showcased pedagogical approaches, curriculum design and classroom practices. These interactions offered valuable insight into how China's approach to education could help meet the needs and challenges faced in South African education.</p><p>The delegation also delved into the rich Chinese culture with lectures on the art and history of tea, Chinese traditional medicine, and acupuncture. Visits to iconic landmarks such as the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall complemented the experience.</p><p><strong>Valuable takeaways</strong></p><p>Judging by delegates' feedback, the experience was transformative at all levels. According to Tertia Jefthas, Kylemore High principal, China's rich history and vibrant cultural celebrations hold valuable lessons for South Africans, emphasising the significance of instilling a sense of belonging among learners. Worcester Gymnasium deputy principal Riaan Loubscher, in turn, returned to South Africa inspired to support Mandarin education both at his school and in the broader community. </p><p>To Rika Kroon, acting principal of Rhenish Girls' High, the trip expanded her understanding of Chinese culture and highlighted the disparities between China's reality and how it is often portrayed in South Africa.</p><p>District director Harker found that the visit to the First Middle School of Tong'an District, which has 10 000 learners and 200 educators, offered important insights into teaching practices in larger classes and the beneficial use of e-learning tools. Another important takeaway from the trip, Harker says, was the importance of a balanced approach to education, with China maintaining a physical education routine of at least two hours per day, which is in line with South Africa's educational goals. In addition, she was struck by the clear expectations for different languages and dialects to coexist, which aligns with South Africa's efforts to accommodate diversity. </p><p>The delegation returned with a renewed dedication to promoting global understanding and cooperation through education. </p><p>* <em>For more on CISU and its initiatives, go to </em><a href="/english/confucius-institute"><em>http://www.sun.ac.za/english/confucius-institute</em></a><em>.</em></p><p> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>