A delegation from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), under the leadership of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, embarked on a transformative visit to China between 03 November and 10 November 2024. The delegation engaged with universities, vocational colleges, research institutions and enterprises across Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Fuzhou and Xiamen, forging partnerships that promise to enhance DUT’s global impact.
During the visit, Prof Nemavhola highlighted DUT’s academic and innovation strengths, laying the foundation for strategic collaborations in fields such as health sciences, traditional Chinese medicine, artificial intelligence and smart campus development. Key achievements included signing multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent Chinese institutions, including Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Guangzhou University, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Xiamen City University.
In Guangzhou, DUT joined the Guangzhou International Sister University Alliance and celebrated the entrepreneurial success of DUT student Mr Luyanda Majozi, who won the top prize in an international competition.
In Dongguan, the delegation visited Guangdong Medical University and Dongguan University of Technology. Discussions focused on collaborative research in artificial intelligence and dentistry, faculty training and academic exchanges. DUT and Dongguan University leaders explored partnerships in “Chinese + Technology” programmes to strengthen cross-border education initiatives.
In Xiamen, the DUT delegation engaged with Xiamen City University to discuss internationalised curriculum development, vocational training and education-industry integration. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to advancing the Xiamen-Durban sister city relations and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The delegation also visited the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Centre, exploring potential collaborations in think tank development, talent cultivation and project innovation.
During this trip, the delegation laid a robust foundation for innovative university-enterprise partnerships, aligning with DUT’s commitment to cultivating globally competitive talent and positioning the university as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
At the Dongguan South African Commodity Centre, the delegation explored the “Chinese + E-commerce” training model initiated by the award-winning DUT Confucius Institute, highlighting its potential to advance DUT’s internationalisation in innovation and entrepreneurship.
At Huawei’s Shenzhen Headquarters, the team gained insights into cutting-edge digital transformation technologies, including AI, big data and smart campus solutions. DUT and Huawei initiated discussions on integrating digital innovation into higher education, academia-industry integration and ICT talent development, culminating in a strategic cooperation agreement.
This milestone visit, coordinated by the DUT Confucius Institute, marked a new era of collaboration, affirming DUT’s commitment to fostering globally relevant talent and strengthening South Africa-China educational and industrial ties.
Prof Nemavhola expressed confidence that, against the backdrop of growing collaboration between South Africa and China, DUT and Chinese institutions would identify shared interests and promote further cooperation in the future.
The DUT delegation included Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof Gugu Mchunu, Interim Director of Research and Postgraduate Support Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni and Mr WU Lin, Director of the DUT Confucius Institute.
Frank WU Lin
