| Chinese as a Bridge, One World, One Family: SU Students Shine at International Chinese Language Competition | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11362 | | Chinese as a Bridge, One World, One Family: SU Students Shine at International Chinese Language Competition | Marlo Van Wyk | <p><span style="text-align:justify;">On</span><em style="text-align:justify;"> </em><span style="text-align:justify;">30</span><em style="text-align:justify;"> </em><span style="text-align:justify;">May</span><em style="text-align:justify;"> </em><span style="text-align:justify;">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.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">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.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">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<strong>)</strong>, which worked closely with the department's Chinese language lecturers to guide and coach the students.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> “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."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The competition theme, <em>“One World, One Family,"</em> 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. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Ashiquah's speech, <em>“A Journey Through Chinese Songs,"</em> drew from her experience at a winter camp in Xiamen, where music helped her form deep friendships.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“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."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Taaraa's speech, <em>“A Cup of Tea Connects the World – Blossoming Together,"</em> reflected her journey through Chinese tea culture. When asked by judges what tea meant to her, she responded:<br> “Tea is a form of culture, and tea art is a cultural expression. Each tea variety carries its own unique charm and beauty."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Their performances extended beyond speeches — Ashiquah captivated the audience with a moving rendition of the Mandarin song <em>“Your Name Engraved Herein" </em>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."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">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.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">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.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/获奖-南非赛区所有选手+颁奖嘉宾.jpg" alt="获奖-南非赛区所有选手+颁奖嘉宾.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:495px;" /><br></p><p><br></p> |
| CISU contestants shine at Chinese Bridge South African finals | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10742 | | CISU contestants shine at Chinese Bridge South African finals | CISU | <p>In this year's edition of the Chinese Bridge competition for university students and school learners from across South Africa, contestants from the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU) again achieved outstanding results. In each of the competition categories, CISU entrants ended among the top three.<br></p><p>The Chinese Bridge competition is organised by the Chinese embassy in South Africa and hosted by three different Confucius institutes and classrooms in the country. Participants showcase their Chinese language and performance skills. In the run-up to the event, participants from Stellenbosch University and schools in the Cape Winelands district received intensive training through CISU's outreach programmes, which are facilitated by teachers in the district. </p><p>The aim of the Chinese Bridge contest is to build a bridge between nations, fostering understanding and cultural exchange. Since its inception, over 1,4 million students from more than 150 countries have participated in the competition, which attracts over 100 million audience members annually. </p><p><em><strong>Raking in the awards</strong></em></p><p>In the competition for South African university students, hosted in Cape Town on 17 May, CISU's Jessica Grace Gascoyne Clarke ended in second place (<em>pictured in blue below</em>), while Ashiquah Norodien received an encouragement award (<em>wearing red</em>). Jessica will have the chance to travel to China later this year to observe the global finals.<br></p><p><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/409185562_1246176132989661_6074865305127832664_n.jpg" alt="409185562_1246176132989661_6074865305127832664_n.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:593px;" /><br></p><p><br></p><p>On 7 June, primary school learners got their chance to show their proficiency in Chinese in the South African finals in Durban. CISU contestants Kay-Lee Verna Pietersen, Akeelah Nikitha Adams and Shailo-Jay Halley Fritz, all from Rietenbosch Primary School in Cloetesville, delivered impressive performances (<em>pictured below with </em><em>teachers from CISU and Rietenbosch Primary</em>). Kay-Lee and Akeelah were named runners-up, while Shailo received an award of excellence.<br></p><p><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/Picture2.jpg" alt="Picture2.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:733px;" /><br></p><p><br></p><p>CISU's competitors in the event for secondary school learners on 16 June, this time hosted in Johannesburg, were equally successful. With her outstanding performance, Mpemnyama Piko Hlobisa ('Cai Yi') from Makupula Secondary in Kayamandi (<em>pictured in red below</em>) scooped first prize and secured her place in the global finals in China. Carmen Paige Harris from Rhenish Girls' High School was awarded third prize, while Taliah Evelyn Demirah from Worcester Gymnasium received an excellence award (<em>flanking Cai Yi on the picture below</em>).<br></p><p><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/Picture3.jpg" alt="Picture3.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:760px;" /><br><br></p><p><em><strong>Uplifting our youth</strong></em></p><p>These excellent achievements by Stellenbosch University students and local school learners attest to the vast potential among our youth, the unwavering support provided by CISU staff, and the hands-on language training offered by Chinese teachers.</p><p><span style="text-align:center;">C</span><span style="text-align:center;">IS</span><span style="text-align:center;">U remains committed to nurturing and uplifting talented youth by opening doors to international education and opportunities abroad. Continued educational support on offer includes school preparatory programmes in Chinese language and culture, sponsored pre-degree language courses at 256 Chinese universities for high school learners and adults, as well as full scholarships at tertiary level with either Chinese or English as the language of instruction. The financial support accompanying these programmes is significant.</span></p><p><em>Photos courtesy of </em><em>CISU teachers.</em></p><p><br></p> |
| Robert Kotze honoured for role in Confucius Institute at SU | https://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> |
| Stellenbosch University Celebrates International Chinese Language Day with Cultural Showcase | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11266 | | Stellenbosch University Celebrates International Chinese Language Day with Cultural Showcase | Marlo Van Wyk | <p><span style="text-align:justify;">To mark International Chinese Language Day 2025, the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU), hosted a cultural celebration on 25 April, highlighted by the </span><em style="text-align:justify;">Maritime Silk Road Photo Exhibition</em><span style="text-align:justify;">.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The event formed part of the global celebration of Chinese language and culture and was held with the support of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Cape Town. Deputy Consul General Mr Tang Chang'an attended the opening of the exhibition, reinforcing the strong and growing cultural ties between China and South Africa.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Also in attendance were Prof Ruojuan
Zheng, Director of the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (SU); Mr Robert Kotzé, Senior Director of Stellenbosch University International (SUI); and representatives from the Confucius Institutes of the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The <em>Maritime Silk Road Photo Exhibition</em> offered a striking visual journey tracing the ancient trade route that historically linked China to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Quanzhou, historically known as “Zayton," was showcased as a vibrant origin point in China, while the Cape of Good Hope represented a symbolic southern gateway, anchoring South Africa's connection to this global exchange. Through carefully curated imagery and historical interpretation, the exhibition shed light on centuries of trade, exploration, and cultural dialogue along the Maritime Silk Road.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“This exhibition aligns with the Confucius Institute's (CI) mission by highlighting the historical exchanges and cultural connections fostered through the Maritime Silk Road, encouraging mutual understanding between China and South Africa," said Prof Zheng. “One of the most important missions of CI is to promote better understanding between China and South Africa."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Zheng added “Through the photo exhibitions and cultural experiences we organised we hope that the CI can serve as a window for South African students and local community members to gain a deeper appreciation for the spirit of openness, cooperation, and cultural exchange that has connected people across continents for centuries — especially between China and South Africa."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Complementing the exhibition, attendees engaged in interactive cultural activities including Chinese tea ceremonies, calligraphy, paper cutting, and traditional beading. A variety of authentic Chinese snacks, such as mooncakes (<em>yue bing)</em> and savoury rice crackers (<em>xian bei)</em>, were also served, creating an immersive and festive environment.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The celebration also welcomed principals, teachers, and learners from CISU's partner schools, where introductory Chinese language classes are offered. These included Stellenbosch High School, Kylemore High, False Bay Primary, Makupula Secondary School, and St Paul's Primary. The event provided learners with a rare opportunity to deepen their appreciation of the language and culture they are studying through live experience.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The CISU continues to promote intercultural understanding through language education and cultural programming. By hosting initiatives such as the <em>Maritime Silk Road Photo Exhibition</em>, CISU aims to illuminate the shared histories and global connections between China and Africa, fostering mutual respect, curiosity, and collaboration across cultures.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Beyond Boundaries: Stellenbosch University's Winter Camp in China | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10458 | | Beyond Boundaries: Stellenbosch University's Winter Camp in China | CISU | <p>The 2023 Winter Camp to China, jointly organised by the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU) and Xiamen University, embarked on a transformative fourteen-day expedition in December. There were 16 students and one teacher who participated in the camp.<br></p><p>The Winter Camp were hosted by the China Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), which plays a key role in promoting the development of international Chinese language education and strengthen Chinese-foreign humanistic exchanges. As such, the overall aim of the visit was to meet the needs of overseas youths to learn Chinese language and culture, and to stimulate their enthusiasm for learning.</p><p>Upon their arrival, the group was welcomed by Xiamen University's vice dean of Chinese International Education, Gen Hu</p><p><strong>Immersed in both education and culture</strong></p><p>With the theme of "Minnan Heritage", this winter camp covered Chinese language learning, cultural lectures, research experience and other contents, and the campers experienced the charm of Minnan culture from a close distance.</p><p> They visited Beijing and the cities of Xiamen and Quanzhou in Fujian Province for cultural exchanges and study tours, like Chinese food culture, instrument(Guqin), historic building Kulangsu Islet and so on. Visits to iconic landmarks such as the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall in the snow complemented the experience.</p><p><strong>Valuable takeaways</strong></p><p>The winter camp in China served as a transformative journey for participants, reshaping perceptions, and deepening cultural appreciation. Here's a synthesis of insights from the diverse group:</p><p>Johnne-Leigh was captivated by iconic landmarks like the forbidden & summer palaces and the Great Wall. His misconceptions about the Chinese were dispelled, highlighting the nation's genuine warmth. Shieka's admiration for the Great Wall and the efficiency of Chinese transport systems underscored the nation's blend of ancient wonders with modernity. Maxine De Lange's enchantment with China's architecture was a common sentiment, with many participants echoing her shift in media perception after experiencing the country firsthand.</p><p>Nina's deep dive into Chinese instruments and culture resonated with others' experiences of confirming positive pre-visit views. Hylton and Chelsea both acknowledged the stark contrast between media portrayals and the vibrant realities they encountered, emphasizing the camp's role in fostering global understanding. Jessica Clarke and Maysoon found immense value in the camp's diverse experiences, with Jessica particularly highlighting China's cleanliness and safety. Kevin Syfert and Tamzin recognized the nuances often overlooked by media, such as China's eco-initiatives and rapid development. Lastly, Thomas's emphasis on Chinese hospitality and the genuine cultural immersion the camp provided was a sentiment echoed by many.</p><p> Overall, the camp emerged as a pivotal experience, with participants unanimously advocating for its transformative impact and considering future engagements with China.</p><p><br></p> |
| Confucius Institute at stellenbosch university successfully held the "Close to China" theme Chinese club | https://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> |
| The Confucius Classroom at Worcester Gymnasium School Held the "China in My Eyes" Cultural Event | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6974 | | The Confucius Classroom at Worcester Gymnasium School Held the "China in My Eyes" Cultural Event | CISU | <p>On October 21, the Confucius Classroom at Worcester Gymnasium School, under the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University, held the “China in My Eyes” cultural sharing event, which attracts many teachers, students and local people.<br></p><p>The event was started by the beautiful Chinese umbrella dance, and the audience gave warm applause to the wonderful performances of the girls. In the next part, two students who participated in the summer camp in June this year shared their two-week experience in China. They took Chinese classes at the beautiful Xiamen University and visited in a romantic piano island – Gulangyu. The guests were amazed at the rich schedule of the summer camp and expressed their hope to participate next year.</p><p>At the event, Confucius Classroom teacher Wang Yaqi introduced China's traditional culture: four inventions, geodetic instruments, Chinese characters and calligraphy, etc., and introduced the new four major inventions of modern China (shared bicycles, high-speed rail, scan code payment and online shopping). The audience were amazed at the modernization and convenience of contemporary Chinese life and lamented the rapid development of China's 70-year history. Then Confucius Classroom teacher Xie Mengning brought a speech on China's modern tourist city Xiamen, Beijing and Shanghai. The three cities are different in style: Xiamen is fresh and playful, Beijing is traditional and modern, Shanghai is romantic and modern. Different geographical and cultural environments have created unique city. The audience hope they could have the opportunity to travel to China and experience different Chinese cultures.</p><p>The “China in My Eyes” cultural sharing event provided a wonderful experience for South African students and the public about Chinese traditional culture and contemporary Chinese status, and also established platform between the Chinese and African people to communicate with each other. The China-Africa Friendship Association will continue to deepen and revitalize under our efforts.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Confucius Classroom at Worcester Gymnasium School Held Photo Exhibition of "70 Years’ Achievement in China" | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6973 | | Confucius Classroom at Worcester Gymnasium School Held Photo Exhibition of "70 Years’ Achievement in China" | CISU | <p>To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and to let students feel the development and changes in China more intuitively, the CISU’s Worcester Gymnasium School Confucius Classroom held a picture exhibition with the theme of "70 Years of Achievement in China".<br></p><p>On October 18th, a two-week photo exhibition kicked off at Worcester Gymnasium School. This photo exhibition featured pictures of China's modern science and technology, ecological agriculture, environmental governance, national education, urban development and other achievements, aiming to show a comprehensive and vivid China for the local teachers and students. Among them, emerging things such as shared bicycles, online shopping and mobile payment have become hot topics for teachers and students. While lamenting China's rapid development, students also expressed their hope to experience the convenience in China .</p><p>The successful holding of this photo exhibition has enabled South African students to have a better understanding of China in the past 70 years. In the future, the Confucius Classroom at Worcester Gymnasium School will continue to hold various cultural events and become a window for South African students and local people to understand modern China.<br></p> |
| Chinese Spring Festival 2022 | https://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> |
| Contextualising China’s Role in Global Governance | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9968 | | Contextualising China’s Role in Global Governance | Marlo van Wyk | <p>Harmony, China's most cherished social value, excellently mirrors the social impact of rationale, propriety, and compatibility; three characteristics that can be seen reflected within the key objectives of global governance.<br></p><p>With China emerging as a noticeable entity in global governance and striving to establish its centrality in this international system, it is also commemorating 25 years of diplomatic relations with South Africa. Prof. Qingxiu Bu, an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Sussex, recently observed an importance of developing a better understanding of China's contribution to global challenges and affairs, significantly in the context of China-South Africa relations.</p><p>During an academic visit to Stellenbosch University on 10 – 23 April 2023, Prof. Bu presented this observation to a public audience through a series of lectures and seminars hosted by the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University.</p><p>The key objective of Prof. Bu's lecture series were to deepen a public understanding on critical themes such as transnational threats, global governance, and multilateralism. Within a series of six engaging lectures, it has been Prof. Bu's aim to clarify and present China's developing role in global governance through providing seminar-style information sessions that would prompt candid exchanges and discussions between audiences.</p><p>Furthermore, by contextualising Sino-Africa's increasing development in political, economic, technical, scientific, and socio-cultural domains, a common theme of building a social consensus for future globalisation was projected. This lecture series, however, was not only designed for achieving a deepened understanding of China's role in global governance, but also to provide a space for public audiences to actively engage and respond to cutting-edge global challenges that arise in the Sino-African context. </p><p>In collaboration with the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University, Prof Bu's lectures enabled various audiences to discuss innovative ways that aim to promote prosperous and inclusive international collaboration in a post-pandemic era; and in turn promote global harmony. <br><br></p><p><br></p> |
