On the morning of October 23rd, Wu Peng, Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, visited the Confucius Institute (CI) at Durban University of Technology (DUT). He was accompanied by Li Zhigong, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Durban, among others.
Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of DUT and Foreign Director of the CI, first extended a warm welcome on behalf of DUT to Ambassador Wu Peng’s visit and expressed gratitude for his interest in the development of both DUT and the CI. Subsequently, Wu Lin, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, presented a detailed report to the ambassador on the teaching activities of the Durban Confucius Institute, as well as its efforts in promoting educational exchanges and cooperation between China and South Africa and in “Chinese +” vocational skills training.
Ambassador Wu Peng (second from the right) visits the CI at DUT
Ambassador Wu Peng highly praised the work of the Durban Confucius Institute, commending its efforts in not only providing quality Chinese language education and cultural promotion but also vigorously developing “Chinese + TVET” training programs. He emphasized that such innovative projects, which combine language learning with practical skills, not only support youth development but also further enhance friendship between the peoples of the two countries. The ambassador showed strong interest in the CI’s “Chinese + Juncao Grass Training” and “Chinese + E-commerce Training” programs, and offered valuable suggestions and requirements. Regarding the future development of the Durban Confucius Institute, Wu Peng expressed his hope that in its capacity as both a global model CI and a regional development center for “Chinese + TVET” education in China-Africa cooperation, the CI at DUT should swiftly summarize and share its successful experiences. Moreover, it should continue to capitalize on its strengths, closely aligning itself with the development needs of China-South Africa cooperation, while deeply integrating with local characteristics and culture. This will drive the diversified growth of “Chinese+” initiatives and forge stronger bonds of cooperation and friendship between the Chinese and South African people.
During his visit, Wu Peng engaged in a cordial exchange with faculty and students of the CI, gaining a thorough understanding of the students’ progress in learning Chinese and their future career plans. He encouraged the students to actively apply for scholarships to further their studies in China, thereby enhancing their Chinese proficiency and creating more opportunities for their personal development through language learning.
Warm Discussion between Wu Peng and Faculty and Students at the CI
Correspondant/Photogragher:FAFU’s Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology
Translators: Lu Hanyang, International College
Huang Peifang, International College