New horizons: Opportunities for South African students in China
In the exclusive insights into the vast opportunities available for South African students to study in China, it was revealed that an array of scholarship programs and academic partnerships have already fostered fruitful exchange of knowledge and skills.
They say when one door closes, another one opens, and China is always at the forefront of opening doors and providing Africans opportunities to learn and grow in everything they put their minds to.
In a world increasingly characterised by division and discord, a recent speech by Jiang Yurong, a Chinese graduate from Harvard University, has resonated deeply within both the United States and China.
Jiang delivered her message of unity on Thursday, coinciding with significant political developments surrounding immigration policy and international education."We don't rise by proving each other wrong. We rise by refusing to let one another go," Jiang said.
Her speech went viral in China, with some saying it moved them while others were critical. Correlating this week, in an exclusive interview with the Consul General of China in Durban, Li Zhigong, one of the underlying themes in the conversation was about unlocking potential across borders and exploring how South African students can benefit from studying in China and the myriad of collaborative opportunities that await.
In the exclusive insights into the vast opportunities available for South African students to study in China from Li, it was revealed that an array of scholarship programs and academic partnerships have already fostered fruitful exchange of knowledge and skills.
According to Li, the Chinese government offers a comprehensive suite of scholarship programmes designed to entice South African students.
"These scholarships, available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, encompass a wide array of benefits including tuition coverage, provision of textbooks, multiple round-trip flights, and a monthly stipend," he said.
He highlighted that the disciplines in high demand span engineering, medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), international relations, and the study of Chinese language and culture — all areas that align closely with South Africa's developmental needs.
"The Consulate warmly encourages prospective applicants, highlighting the importance of returnees as contributors to bilateral cooperation," he said.
He further highlighted that collaboration is key to enhancing the educational ties between South African institutions and Chinese universities.
"Opportunities for joint research initiatives, student and staff exchanges, as well as co-hosted academic programmes are flourishing. For instance, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) has established a partnership with Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University to promote skills development. Notably, the Confucius Institute at DUT has emerged as a prominent cultural and language platform, training thousands of students in Chinese language and culture. The partnership between the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the Centers for Disease Control in Sichuan province, focusing on HIV/AIDS research and facilitating exchanges of Chinese medical students, exemplifies the potential of such collaborations," he explained.
Li also added that the Consulate General is also actively involved in skills development initiatives that enhance economic cooperation between China and South Africa.
A focus on technical skills training is evident through collaborations with Chinese enterprises and educational institutions. Areas covered include construction safety, welding, mechanical skills training, and innovative 'Chinese + Vocational Skills' programmes through the Confucius Institute at DUT. In partnership with Tianjin Vocational Institute, the establishment of the Luban Workshop is dedicated to vocational education, he said. He added that the introduction of Juncao technology for mushroom cultivation has empowered local farmers with practical skills while sharing China's poverty alleviation experiences.
"Each year, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce organises a variety of training programmes aimed at capacity building and exchange, with many individuals from KwaZulu-Natal already benefiting from these initiatives," he said.
*This is Part 3 of a series of exclusive interviews that the Chinese Consul General in Durban, Li Zhigong, granted the Daily News' editor, Ayanda Mdluli.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
'Smart woman!': Rachel Kolisi's new car sparks speculation
Rachel Kolisi's new car announcement – an 'upgrade' from her Yaris – has been met with speculation from many South Africans who questioned her motives. The former wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi revealed her new set of wheels this week courtesy of a brand deal with Chinese car manufacturer Jetour. Last month, the mother-of-two described driving the used car as a 'humbling' experience. Rachel and Siya announced their divorce last October and have been navigating life as single parents. On Friday, 20 June, Rachel Kolisi posted images on her Instagram account of her new car, a brand new SUV, courtesy of Jetour. The brand deal was made possible through Livingstone Sports Management, the same company her brother, sports agent Joel Smith, works for. Rachel previously had an endorsement deal with Mercedes-Benz, which sponsored luxury cars for both her and her former husband, Siya Kolisi. However, the deal likely ended shortly before Rachel announced her 'humbling' decision to drive a Toyota Yaris in an Instagram post she swiftly deleted. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Kolisi (@rachelkolisi) With Rachel Kolisi bagging a new deal – with a sports agency no less, many are wondering if her 'Yaris' post was merely a ploy to attract sponsorship and public sympathy. Rachel Kolisi deleted an IG post about her modest car. Was it a ploy for 'public sympathy'? Images via Instagram: @rachelkolisi X user @camagumayeye_ posted: 'I'm starting to think the Yaris thing was a ploy to attract brands'. Another @XolieMahlangu added: 'She knew what she was doing. I love me a smart woman.' @TboozeSA posted: 'It was a clever move. Good business on her side', while @TakatsoLisbeth added: 'That Yaris was a paid actor'. Meanwhile, reports claim that Rachel Kolisi could be entitled to half of Siya's wealth amid their high-profile divorce. According to Pulse Sports, the former Springbok WAG could walk away with as much as R17.5 million – half of Siya's estimated net worth – in the settlement. The couple is believed to be married in community of property. Fans have taken sides in the Siya and Rachel Kolisi Foundation controversy. Images via Instagram: @rachelkolisi/ @siyakolisi In 2019, Rachel and Siya established their joint charity, The Kolisi Foundation. However, earlier this year, Rachel claimed that she was pressured to leave her post as CEO at the NGO. In a complaint filed with the CCMA, Rachel claimed 'constructive dismissal', alleging that her working conditions became 'intolerable', 'forcing' her to resign. She is seeking reinstatement or compensation for the distress caused by her resignation. Although Rachel's source of income is unclear, she and her two children, as well as Siya's two siblings, continue to live in their Cape Town home. Siya lives in a Ballito mansion in KwaZulu-Natal, where he plays for the Sharks. DO YOU BELIEVE RACHEL KOLISI DUPED THE PUBLIC WITH HER YARIS IG POST? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Celebrating educated young black farmers
Zamayirha Peter | Published 3 hours ago Lizzy Nyathi is a member of the youth network ACTIVATE! Change Drivers who used a seedling donation by the network to plant a business that has grown its fruits and influence in many communities, and as a supplier to many retail stores. Lisima Farming Project employs four permanent staff who work at the farm and four seasonal labourers. Her story may not have drawn the attention of the Oval Office on 21 May; however, her commitment to sustainable farming and developing the next generation of young African farmers is adding to the good South African story of the immeasurable role of agriculture Lizzy Nyathi is a member of the youth network ACTIVATE! Change Drivers who used a seedling donation by the network to plant a business that has grown its fruits and influence in many communities, and as a supplier to many retail stores. An educated black female farmer, she is from Mpumalanga and the director of the Lisima farming project (Lisima Trading and project) that is based in the Bushbuckridge Municipality, in a small village called Welverdiend. Educated and passionate about sustainable farming Lizzy holds a degree in agricultural management from the University of Limpopo. For Lizzy, the idea to farm was born during her years as a student, and it grew its legs when she began to facilitate agricultural programs that focused on plant production and horticulture. Through her friends and family's support, she managed to raise funds to the sum of R50,000 to start crop farming. In 2023, she cleared 1ha (hectare) out of 3 and fenced it and started producing from it and ultimately made her first sale in August 2023 to Lebamba Hoedspruit. Nearly two years later, Lizzy has never looked back and recounts both challenges and opportunities that farming has brought her way. Some of her achievements include being a local crop supplier at Spar, Makhoma, Roots, Boxer, Lebamba, Street vendors, community members and several game lodges. As a small-scale farmer, Lizzy reflects on the challenges of having sufficient resources to meet the demands and make a profit. 'Sometimes our crops get affected when there are seasonal changes, but I kept it up throughout the whole year. With me now supplying the game lodges, I had to consider planting special crops and herbs. I then realised we, as small-scale farmers, incurred so many losses in our production due to an unplanned production system', Nyathi. 'We also tend to have more losses of products like tomatoes because they have a short shelf life. I came up with a way of preserving it for a different function. Now we are happy to say we also produce sun-dried tomatoes, pepper sauce and basil pesto, which we supply to many game lodges, and we also make spices from the herbs we plant on the farm. Some of these dried herbs are used on our processed products', she adds elated. Lizzy's approach to farming has been multifaceted and comprised of dynamic interventions to get to her bottom line. Lisima Farming Project not only focuses on growing crops and livestock but also provides a space to teach the next generation of farmers and gives back to the communities that support the business through their social investment project. 'Some of our products are allocated to those in need. We go into households that are without food, and schools that cater for minor kids, such as creches, and we have a program in the community that annually gives Christmas hampers to the needy households on Christmas Day', Nyathi. For Lizzy, farming does not begin and end with what you plant, but with your impact at the community level. 'As a business, we comply with the South African Good Agricultural Practices (SAGAP) standard, and we are HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point) certified', Nyathi. 'For us, farming is not just about production, but we also ensure that we produce food that is healthy to consume, we minimise the use of agrochemicals, and in any way possible, we avoid them altogether', she adds. Now, Lisima Farming Project employs four permanent staff who work at the farm and four seasonal labourers. 'From May 2025, they were entrusted by WILD IMPACT to host two of their interns for practical training. Last year, we received a grant from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to the value of R50 000, and they helped me get a website and paid the subscription for the whole year of 2025. 'We used the NYDA grant to fence the other 2ha (hectare) and buy some water reservoirs. The remaining 2ha is not yet in production because we only have 1 borehole, which cannot cater for the other 2ha. We are planning on planting and producing on the other 2ha (hectare) as soon as we get the second borehole, because the demand for fresh produce is higher than our capacity now'. Lisima Farming Project is a testament to a good South African story when a village comes together (businesses, family, government), to support one young person, who comes from a marginalised community, has a will to study, a passion for sustainable farming and a commitment to mix profits with meaningful impact at the community level. To support the Lisima Farming Project, you can get in touch via their website on or give them a call on 013 880 2246. Zamayirha Peter is an Advocacy Communications Specialist with over eight (8) years of experience in multimedia journalism and communications. Her passion is using development communications to contribute to the advancement and empowerment of communities, particularly the youth, across the continent and influence global conversations through using strategic communication tools.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Celebrating educated young black farmers
Lizzy Nyathi is a member of the youth network ACTIVATE! Change Drivers who used a seedling donation by the network to plant a business that has grown its fruits and influence in many communities, and as a supplier to many retail stores. Lisima Farming Project employs four permanent staff who work at the farm and four seasonal labourers. Her story may not have drawn the attention of the Oval Office on 21 May; however, her commitment to sustainable farming and developing the next generation of young African farmers is adding to the good South African story of the immeasurable role of agriculture Lizzy Nyathi is a member of the youth network ACTIVATE! Change Drivers who used a seedling donation by the network to plant a business that has grown its fruits and influence in many communities, and as a supplier to many retail stores. An educated black female farmer, she is from Mpumalanga and the director of the Lisima farming project (Lisima Trading and project) that is based in the Bushbuckridge Municipality, in a small village called Welverdiend. Educated and passionate about sustainable farming Lizzy holds a degree in agricultural management from the University of Limpopo. For Lizzy, the idea to farm was born during her years as a student, and it grew its legs when she began to facilitate agricultural programs that focused on plant production and horticulture. Through her friends and family's support, she managed to raise funds to the sum of R50,000 to start crop farming. In 2023, she cleared 1ha (hectare) out of 3 and fenced it and started producing from it and ultimately made her first sale in August 2023 to Lebamba Hoedspruit. Nearly two years later, Lizzy has never looked back and recounts both challenges and opportunities that farming has brought her way. Some of her achievements include being a local crop supplier at Spar, Makhoma, Roots, Boxer, Lebamba, Street vendors, community members and several game lodges. Farming requires you to innovate As a small-scale farmer, Lizzy reflects on the challenges of having sufficient resources to meet the demands and make a profit. 'Sometimes our crops get affected when there are seasonal changes, but I kept it up throughout the whole year. With me now supplying the game lodges, I had to consider planting special crops and herbs. I then realised we, as small-scale farmers, incurred so many losses in our production due to an unplanned production system', Nyathi. 'We also tend to have more losses of products like tomatoes because they have a short shelf life. I came up with a way of preserving it for a different function. Now we are happy to say we also produce sun-dried tomatoes, pepper sauce and basil pesto, which we supply to many game lodges, and we also make spices from the herbs we plant on the farm. Some of these dried herbs are used on our processed products', she adds elated. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Zamayirha Peter is an Advocacy Communications Specialist with over eight (8) years of experience in multimedia journalism and communications. Image: Supplied Giving back to those in need Lizzy's approach to farming has been multifaceted and comprised of dynamic interventions to get to her bottom line. Lisima Farming Project not only focuses on growing crops and livestock but also provides a space to teach the next generation of farmers and gives back to the communities that support the business through their social investment project. 'Some of our products are allocated to those in need. We go into households that are without food, and schools that cater for minor kids, such as creches, and we have a program in the community that annually gives Christmas hampers to the needy households on Christmas Day', Nyathi. For Lizzy, farming does not begin and end with what you plant, but with your impact at the community level. 'As a business, we comply with the South African Good Agricultural Practices (SAGAP) standard, and we are HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point) certified', Nyathi. 'For us, farming is not just about production, but we also ensure that we produce food that is healthy to consume, we minimise the use of agrochemicals, and in any way possible, we avoid them altogether', she adds.
