Giving more insight into the cultural heritage of China was the aim of the Rainbow Bridge to the East – Experiencing China presentations which was held at by the Confucius Institute at Steve Biko Campus recently. In attendance were Mandarin learners and esteemed, academic guests such as Dr Junaid Shaik and Dr Shakira Shaik, senior researchers and academic experts from DUT and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), respectively.
The presentations showcased the beautiful scenery and the unique, historical cultural heritages of China. Co-dean of the CI at DUT, Dr Chaobo Fu, made the opening speech together with Dr Martin Mandew, from the DUT Midland campusess. They stated that the China-South Africa strategic-partnership kept growing due to projects held by the Confucius Institute which acted as the friendship bridge between the two countries. “The Institute also acts as a window of showcasing the Chinese language and cultures, and plays a more significantly, positive role in improving the cooperation between China and South Africa in the fields of culture, academic,education and resource-sharing,” added Dr Fu.
Another presentation was given by Dr J Shaik, who had successfully completed his Mandarin Level 1 course at DUT CI, and spoke of his unforgettable experience with his wife to Fujian province. DUT student, Nokuthula Hadebe, who also visited China twice, also gave insight into her visit to the major cities like BeiJing, TianJin, JiNan, ChangSha, and FuZhou. She added that, through the two-year study at DUT CI, she gradually realised the importance of Mandarin. She was also the proud awardee of several prizes through a list of Mandarin language competitions. Another student of CI DUT, Ntokozo Kalako, also presented a speech with regards to her recent visit to Shanghai, sharing her experience and knowledge when she spent a short-term study period of time in this modern city.
Dean of the DUT CI, Prof Graham Stewart, concluded the event by adding that the Confucius Institute was a great ambassador between Chinese people and South African people and improved the relationship and friendship between these two nations though programmes held by the DUT CI.
Pictured: Nokuthula Hadebe, speaks of her ‘China’ experience, at the event.
– Dr Chaobo Fu
