By Frans Sello waga Machate I Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa, Eleven outstanding South African students are preparing to embark on an academic journey that promises not only to transform their lives but also to deepen the enduring friendship and cooperation between South Africa and China.
This follows a Pre-Departure Reception held on Tuesday, 5 August at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, where students awarded the prestigious 2025 Chinese Government Scholarship and Academic Education Programs Scholarship sponsored by MOFCOM were honoured.
The event celebrated not only their academic achievement but also the powerful bilateral relations between South Africa and China rooted in shared development goals, mutual respect, and people-to-people cooperation. The students, who will be pursuing studies in critical fields such as cybersecurity, engineering, green energy, biological sciences, and healthcare, will be based in various provinces across China from September.
In his keynote address, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Wu Peng, described the scholarships as a “vital source of momentum for people-to-people exchanges,” underscoring how education plays a key role in the China–South Africa All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership. “Education is the foundation of a nation. Our collaboration has resulted in the highest number of South African scholarship recipients in recent years,” said Ambassador Wu Peng.
“You are not only students, you are ambassadors of South Africa and builders of bridges between our two great nations.” He praised the students’ dedication and encouraged them to embrace their studies wholeheartedly, explore the rich Chinese culture, and return home with knowledge that will help advance South Africa’s national development priorities.
Ms. Sandisa Maqubela, Deputy Director at the National Skills Fund (NSF), conveyed the pride and enthusiasm of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). She highlighted how far the partnership has come since 2012, and its alignment with South Africa’s developmental needs.
“China is a global leader in AI, engineering, and public infrastructure. This scholarship opens the door for young South Africans to benefit from world-class education in a leading economy,” Maqubela said.
“We look forward to deepening this strategic and historic partnership.”
She urged the students to remain steadfast, focused, and proud ambassadors of South Africa and the African continent.
Representing the scholarship recipients, Thandaza Sithole moved the audience with an emotionally charged speech. A future student of Cyberspace Science and Technology at Beijing Institute of Technology, Sithole described the scholarship as a dream come true.
“This is more than financial aid, it is access, opportunity, and representation,” she said.
“We go not only as students, but as ambassadors of our country, our families, and our dreams. Let us return home not just with degrees, but with purpose.”
Another scholarship recipient, Thando Ndlovu, shared similar sentiments during a media interview. He emphasised his passion for psychology and his commitment to mastering the Chinese language in order to pursue his Master’s in Applied Psychology in China.
“I’m curious about everything, from the education system to the culture and the people. I know there will be challenges, but I am ready.”
Dr. Mtheto Temwa Moyo, Director of International Scholarships at DHET, shared in an interview that the department views these international scholarships as a critical pillar of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) and youth empowerment strategy.
“This is a flagship program. It widens access to higher education and equips our youth with global perspectives in critical skill areas,” said Dr. Moyo.
“We target students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and we expect them to return, contribute, and help solve the challenges our country faces.” Moyo emphasised the government’s commitment to building a globally competitive, inclusive higher education landscape that leaves no young person behind.
The 2025 scholarship cohort serves as a testament to win-win cooperation between China and South Africa. As these young scholars prepare to leave for China in September, they carry the hopes of their communities, the vision of their government, and the promise of a shared future rooted in education, innovation, and mutual respect.
