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Celebrating SA-CHINA Relations

Celebrating SA-CHINA Relations

As the relationship between South Africa and China continues to grow, the Durban University of Technology, DUT Confucius Institute (DUT CI) and eThekwini Municipality launched the Magic China-Chinese Language and Culture Exhibition.
The 40 day exhibition, which is currently taking place at the Durban Art Gallery, Durban City Hall, was launched on Tuesday evening (1 September 2015) and will run untill Sunday, 11 October 2015. The exhibition launch was attended by various guests, such as DUT CI Mandarin students, eThekwini Municipality staff, schools teaching Mandarin, DUT staff and members of the eThekwini Municipality Executive Committee .
The exhibition takes place in the midst of ongoing celebrations of the 2015-Year of China in South Africa and continuous engagements which seek to build positive relations not only between DUT, Durban and the Chinese communities, but South Africa and China as well.
In his opening remarks, eThekwini Municipality Speaker, Cllr Logie Naidoo, said the Municipality was honoured to be part of the exhibition. “We are pleased to see the relationship between the Municipality and China grow. We are also pleased to see the work done by the Durban University of Technology and the Confucius Institute,” said Cllr Naidoo.
The impressive exhibition consists of two sections: Origin and Evolution of Chinese Characters as well as the Magic China: Chinese Natural and Cultural Heritage. The collection consists of about two hundred artistic works that will enable visitors to better understand China’s history and culture and help them gain a deeper understanding of the development of the Chinese language and its cultural heritage.
In his remarks at the exhibition, Wap Ras, Chief Education Specialist: Language Curriculum Implementation and Quality Improvement in the Department of Basic Education in South Africa, said, “China is fast becoming South Africa’s largest trade partner and the country has taken steps to introduce Mandarin as the 16th non official additional language. The advantages are great for students who learn and become fluent in Mandarin. They stand a chance of benefiting in the relationship between the two countries.”
DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Ahmed Bawa, who said DUT is collaborating on research with China; outlining the work both DUT China have been engaging in. “DUT is pleased and privileged to be part of the exhibition. We are happy to use the University as a bridge between South Africa and China. It feels like we have had the Confucius Institute for centuries which is an indication of how integrated it has become and of the work it has miraculously done in the short period of time it has been at the University,” said Prof Bawa.
– Noxolo Memela

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