XIAN, SHANGHAI, and BEIJING, China, 17 July 2026 – In a major milestone for South Africa and China academic diplomacy, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, accompanied by a high-level delegation, undertook a strategic mission to Xi’an, Shanghai, and Beijing, China.
The delegation comprised the Director of International Relations and Partnerships (IRP), Dr Segun Obadire, the Co-Director of the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI), Prof Eric Maluta, Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on Chinese matters, Mr Yuchen Wang, and International Relations Officer Mr Matome Mokoena. The mission aimed to advance landmark partnerships with premier Chinese universities and strengthen diplomatic ties through engagement with Her Excellency Ambassador Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba.
In the Picture L-R: UNIVEN delegation hosted by Chang’an University in China. Institute of Transportation Planning and Design Lecturer, Prof Xiao Chen; International Relations Officer, Mr Matome Mokoena; Dean School of Transportation Engineering Chang’an University, Prof Yigen Ge; Director of International Relations and Partnerships, Dr Segun Obadire; Executive Director, Office of International and Exchange Cooperation, Prof Peiyue Li; Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni; Vice-Chancellor’s Adviser, Mr Yuchen Wang; Green Technology Confucius Institute Director, Prof Eric Maluta; Director of Engineering Research Centre for Road Traffic Carbon Reduction, Prof Yuanqing Wang
This strategic mission is firmly aligned with the University’s Vision 2040 Strategy and its commitment to evolving into a comprehensive, globally engaged institution. It seeks to embed advanced technological innovation, sustainable infrastructure development, and meaningful South-South collaboration into the core of the University’s teaching, research, and community engagement agenda.
Through these landmark partnerships, UNIVEN aims to strengthen Global South scholarship, accelerate critical technology transfer in green energy and smart transport, and build the institutional capacity required to sustain world-class infrastructure. Furthermore, these collaborations promote sustainable development pathways that are deeply responsive to local realities, such as the Limpopo-Gauteng high-speed rail feasibility and circular economy pilot projects, while actively contributing to global knowledge production and the broader BRICS cooperation framework.
Crucially, these initiatives directly advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 11 for Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13 for Climate Action. The partnerships also strongly support the African Union Agenda 2063, specifically Aspiration 1 (a high standard of living and quality of life for all citizens through people-driven development) and Aspiration 2 (an integrated continent that is politically united with enhanced regional transport corridors). By prioritizing South-South scholarship and the co-creation of technology, UNIVEN is actively projecting African agency and aligning with the continental blueprint to become a strong, influential global partner.
Deepening Partnership with Chang’an University
A cornerstone of the mission was the engagement with Chang’an University, a prestigious Double First-Class institution directly under the Ministry of Education of China. Founded in 1951 in Xi’an, the ancient capital of thirteen Chinese dynasties, the university boasts an alumni network exceeding 200,000 worldwide. Building on the momentum of three recent UNIVEN delegations between 2025 and 2026, the July 2026 visit secured major breakthroughs.
Following the successful joint proposal to the BRICS science and technology cooperation programme in December 2025 by Prof Yuanqing Wang of the Chang’an University School of Transportation Engineering and Prof Eric Maluta, Director of the GTCI at UNIVEN, the universities have now signed a formal agreement. This agreement commits both institutions to jointly apply for a Co-Research Chair on Green Technology and Smart Transport through the China-South Africa BRICS Summit grant programme.
In the Picture L-R: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, being honoured by Prof
Shutao Li, President of Chang’an University, China
As part of this milestone, Prof Nthambeleni was bestowed a guest adjunct professorship at Chang’an University. Additionally, the delegation reviewed the second blueprint proposal for a feasibility study on the Limpopo-Gauteng High-Speed Railway Link and Transport Corridor Development, actively teaming up with Chinese partners to leverage China’s world-leading high-speed rail expertise.
Pioneering the Africa-China Global South Institute with Southeast University
In Shanghai, the delegation met with representatives from Nanjing’s Southeast University to advance the conceptualisation and architectural design of the flagship Africa-China Global South Institute at UNIVEN. This hub will serve as a beacon of South-South knowledge diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Key outcomes include finalising plans for the First High-Profile Africa Civilization Conference, scheduled for November 2026 in the Kruger National Park. The institutions also committed to joint research projects, academic papers, and book publications, alongside establishing reciprocal cultural exchange. This includes promoting Venda culture and language at Southeast University and across China, complementing the existing GTCI at UNIVEN.
Advancing Space Technology with Beihang University
Expanding UNIVEN’s footprint in cutting-edge technology, the delegation held strategic meetings in Beijing and Hangzhou with Beihang University, China’s top institution for space and aviation. Outcomes include advancing a Joint Laboratory on the BeiDou Satellite Navigation System and Remote Sensing Applications, building on the foundational work of Prof James Chakwizira.
The delegation also celebrated five UNIVEN students currently excelling in their studies at the university. Furthermore, proposals for two additional Co-Research Chairs were advanced, with drafted proposals to be submitted to both governments and embassies for formal endorsement.
Strategic Diplomatic Engagement with H.E. Ambassador Letsatsi-Duba
In the Picture L-R: UNIVEN and their Chinese partners meeting with the Ambassador in Shanghai. Mr Wang; Dr Obadire; Prof Wang; H.E. Ambassador Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, Prof Nthambeleni; the Republic of South Africa in Shanghai, China, Consul-General Phuti Joyce Tsipa; Prof Maluta; Prof Chen; Southeast University, Dr Along Chen; Consul (Political), Shanghai, Ms Sizile Senziwe Ndlazi; Mr Mokoena
A critical component of the mission was the meeting with H.E. Ambassador Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba
on 16 July 2026 in Shanghai. The delegation outlined a clear strategic target to secure formal diplomatic endorsement for two major Co-Research Chair proposals. These will be submitted to both the South African and Chinese governments, as well as their respective embassies, to fast-track funding and institutional support. This alignment ensures that UNIVEN’s academic ambitions of are fully integrated with broader bilateral government priorities under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and BRICS frameworks.
The China mission marks a significant milestone in UNIVEN’s journey towards becoming a globally recognised centre of excellence in green technology, smart transport, and South-South cooperation research.
Prof Nthambeleni extends his heartfelt gratitude to H.E. Ambassador Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba for her unwavering support and diplomatic leadership. Special appreciation is also extended to the leadership of Chang’an University, Southeast University, and Beihang University for their hospitality and steadfast commitment to deepening South-South cooperation.
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