The Chinese and South African governments announced on August 5th in administrative capital Pretoria of South Africa that the two sides agreed to designate September 17 as South Africa Chinese Language Day.
A student of Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Town performing Peking Opera Ode to Pear Blossom on August 5, in Pretoria, South Africa
In “South Africa Chinese Language Teaching Results Exhibition” held on that day, Lin Songtian, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, said that, in the past dozen years, China and South Africa have carried out full-range cooperation on interschool exchanges, language teaching, academic research and other sectors, with fruitful achievements. The two governments have signed cooperation agreements on higher education, opening a new chapter of educational cooperation between the two countries. In 2004, the first Confucius Institute in South Africa was established at Stellenbosch University, ushering in a new era of Chinese language teaching in South Africa.
A student of Confucius Classroom at the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology performing Northeast Yangge Dance on August 5, in Pretoria, South Africa
Matsie Angelina Motshekga, South African Minister of Basic Education, expressed that language is the foundation for enhancing mutual understanding, friendship, exchanges and cooperation between two peoples. Thanks to the great support of the two governments and proactive participation of educational institutions, educational cooperation between the two sides has enjoyed broad and profound political, social and public opinion foundation, with a promising future.
In the activities on that day, 14 prize winners in “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Language Proficiency Competition for foreign students in South Africa presented performance of Peking Opera, Martial Art, witty skits, singing and dancing.
A student of Confucius Classroom at the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology performing Beautiful Chinese Classical Dance on August 5, in Pretoria, South Africa
Reportedly, with six Confucius Institutes and three Confucius Classrooms, South Africa boasts the most Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms in Africa. Besides, Chinese language courses are offered in 45 local primary and secondary schools. In 2015, Chinese language was incorporated into South African national educational system. (cited from Confucius Institute Headquarters, source: xinhuanet.com, Story by Zhao Xi)
