On 04 June 2026, the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) at the University of Venda (UNIVEN) officially launched a Chinese language teaching site at Laerskool Bergvlam Primary School (LBPS) in Thohoyandou.
During the event, UNIVEN and LBPS engaged in an in-depth discussion on Chinese language curriculum development, teaching resource support, and future cooperation plans, and reached broad consensus on promoting the development of Chinese language education at the school. Their mutual agreement is that GTCI will introduce Chinese language courses for Grades 5, 6, and 7 at LBPS in the second semester of 2026, with an initial enrollment target of 80 learners.
The UNIVEN GTCI will further be responsible for curriculum design, teaching resource allocation, and instructor support, while LBPS will provide classroom facilities and the necessary logistical support to ensure the successful implementation of the programme. The launch of the Chinese language teaching site marks an important milestone in educational cooperation between both parties (GTCI and LBPS) and creates a new platform and opportunity for local students to learn Chinese and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
The launch ceremony was attended by Mr Rudzani Mamphweli, Community Engagement Officer of UNIVEN; Prof Grace Ge, Co-Director of GTCI, Ms Hlanganani Dolly Ndou, Principal of Laerskool Bergvlam Primary School, staff and students / learners of both GTCI and LBPS.
Following the launch ceremony, the GTCI delegation held a special consultation meeting with the School Governing Body (SGB) of LBPS. During the meeting, Prof Grace Ge provided a comprehensive overview of GTCI’s development and its plans for Chinese language curriculum construction. Prof Ge noted that, as China continues to advance its innovation-driven development and the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa continues to deepen. She said that cooperation between the two countries in trade, science and technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges has become increasingly closer. As a result, more South African young people are eager to learn about China and engage with people around the world about the subject at hand. She emphasised that Chinese language is not only a language but also an important bridge for international communication and cross-cultural understanding. Prof Ge encouraged learners to make full use of this learning opportunity, develop language proficiency, cultivate an open and inclusive global perspective, and strengthen their intercultural communication skills, thereby creating greater opportunities for future education, career, and personal development.
The School Principal, Ms Ndou expressed her appreciation for GTCI’s support for the school’s development and welcomed the launch of the Chinese language teaching site at LBPS. She pointed out that, in an increasingly globalised world, fostering students’ international awareness and intercultural communication abilities has become an important mission of basic education. The introduction of Chinese language courses will not only enrich the school’s curriculum but also expose students to different cultures and broaden their horizons. She expressed her expectation that both parties would further strengthen exchanges and cooperation based on their existing partnership, providing students with more high-quality educational resources and international learning opportunities.
The launch of the Chinese language teaching site at LBPS represents another significant achievement of GTCI in serving local communities and promoting the high-quality development of Chinese language education. The initiative not only provides local students with a new platform to learn Chinese and explore Chinese culture but also lays a solid foundation for broader and deeper educational cooperation between GTCI and LBPS. Looking ahead, GTCI will continue to serve as a bridge between China and South Africa by deepening collaboration with local schools and communities, enhancing the quality of teaching and service delivery, and actively exploring innovative approaches to integrating Chinese language education into the local basic education system. Leveraging the strengths of UNIVEN platform, GTCI will further promote educational exchanges and people-to-people cooperation between China and South Africa, contributing to greater mutual understanding among young people and supporting the continued development of China–South Africa friendship.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
