Two Language Practice students from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Nonjabuliso Kunene and Sinegugu Nyaka, recently won 3rd Prize at the 22nd “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in South Africa. The theme for this year’s competition was: One World, One Family. This competition, which consisted of 14 contestants from six Confucius Institutes around the country, was recently organized by DUT Confucius Institute, in collaboration with the Center for Language Education and the Cooperation and Chinese Embassy in South Africa.
The competition, sponsored by ZPMC Engineering Africa (Pty) Ltd, consisted of three parts: a written test, a themed speech and finally, a talent show, where contestants showcased their talents with outstanding speeches, impressive performances and excellent Chinese language skills.
Kunene (27), from Ladysmith, is a third-year Language Practice student at DUT. Her love for the Chinese Mandarin language dates to 2015, where her sponsors from high school offered her a scholarship to learn Mandarin for a year in Taiwan.
“When I returned home to South Africa, I heard that the DUT Confucius Institute offers Mandarin classes. I enrolled at the DUT Confucius Institute in 2018 and that is when I entered the Chinese Bridge competition for the first time. I won 2nd Prize then and it was great to enter the competition again this year. It was a wonderful experience, even though it was far too much pressure this time around,” said Kunene.
Kunene indicated that learning Mandarin had opened doors for her prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, as the DUT Confucius Institute managed to find her a job as a Mandarin interpreter in one of the Chinese companies that was partnering with Transnet. Kunene said that COVID-19 led to her company closing, which then allowed her to enroll for her Diploma in Language Practice at DUT in 2021. Currently, her focus is on completing her studies but she revealed that there are many job opportunities for people who can speak Mandarin. Her aspiration is to obtain a master’s degree in Mandarin and she is confident that it will open more doors of opportunity for her in the future.
Meanwhile, second-year Language Practice student, Nyaka (22,) from KwaMashu, expressed her excitement on winning joint-third prize at the competition.
“I am grateful to God for seeing me through the competition. It was not easy, juggling schoolwork, assignments and preparing for the competition was very tough. I had sleepless nights; I would be worried about how I could sleep while I had so much to do. It was nerve wrecking, as I was not sure of how prepared the other contestants were going to be. Some of them had previously entered the competition. I am grateful to my Mandarin teachers at the DUT Confucius Institute for their dedication in helping me prepare for the competition,” said Nyaka.
Furthermore, for Nyaka, who is learning Mandarin at the DUT Confucius Institute, the competition was a great platform for her to assess her knowledge and discover where she still needs to improve.
According to Mr Frank Lin Wu, Co-Dean of the DUT Confucius Institute, this was the first physical Chinese Bridge competition since the COVID-19 global pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.
“Mr Chen Xiaodong, the Ambassador from the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, congratulated the successful organisation of the competition through a video message. He expressed gratitude to the effective preparations and organisation by the DUT CI and extended his high respect to the teachers who have been engaged in Chinese language teaching and promoting Chinese culture in South Africa,” said Lin Wu.
Furthermore, the Ambassador added that this year was an important milestone in the history of China-South Africa relations, since it marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Professor Suren Singh, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at DUT, congratulated the two DUT students for their outstanding performance in the competition. He also congratulated the DUT Confucius Institute for the well-organised event.
“2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Confucius Institute at DUT. Hosting this prestigious competition in this special year was a highlight for the university and the Confucius Institute’s commitment to embracing and promoting cultural exchanges,” added Prof Singh.
Pictured: Nonjabuliso Kunene and Sinegugu Nyaka during the Chinese Bridge Competition.
Simangele Zuma
