The Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) at the University of Venda in a celebration of academic achievement and cultural exchange, hosted the Chinese Language Class Completion Certificate Handing-Over Ceremony. The event took place on Monday, 03 March 2025 at the GTCI (UNIVEN Art Gallery Round Hall). This marked a significant milestone for students who have successfully completed their Chinese language studies. The ceremony brought together students, staff members, and distinguished guests to celebrate the dedication and hard work of these certificate recipients.
The ceremony was not just about certificates, but it symbolises the growing influence of language as a bridge between cultures. As China continues to play a significant role in global business and diplomacy, the ability to communicate in Mandarin offers students invaluable skill set for the future and great opportunities.
UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni highlighted the significance of language learning, particularly Chinese, as a key to global citizenship. He commended graduates for their resilience and hard work in achieving their qualifications and emphasised the role of the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) in strengthening educational and cultural ties be-tween South Africa and China. “The GTCI, launched in December 2023, is the world’s first Confucius Institute with a green technology focus, aiming to advance education, research, and sustainable development.” said Prof Nthambeleni. He encouraged students to take advantage of bursaries and scholarships for further studies abroad, particularly in China, stressing the importance of language proficiency in accessing these opportunities.
Prof Nthambeleni further underscored the growing cooperation between South Africa and China in green technology and digital innovation, positioning the GTCI as a model for sustainable devel-opment. He noted China’s advancements in renewable energy and the potential for South African students and researchers to benefit from these collaborations. He reassured attendees that the South African government supports these initiatives and is investing in green technology advance-ments. As he concluded with his speech, he congratulated graduates on their achievements, urg-ing them to use their knowledge to bridge cultural and technological gaps for a sustainable future.
On photo: Dr Segun Obadire, Director International Relations and Partnerships
In his welcome remarks, Director International Relations and Partnerships, Dr Segun Obadire com-mended these students for completing their Chinese language training under the Green Technol-ogy Confucius Institute. He highlighted the institute’s journey, from its 2019 agreement with Hubei University of Technology to its official establishment in 2023. Dr Obadire stressed the institute’s dual focus on language and green technology, including initiatives in renewable energy and smart agriculture. Dr Obadire also stressed the importance of preserving local languages while learning Chinese, encouraging cultural exchange. Finally, he urged students to seize future opportunities and stay connected with the Directorate of International Relations and Partnerships for further support.
During the GTCI certificate handing over ceremony for Chinese language completion, both the student representative and the staff member delivered speeches, sharing their experiences and insights on the significance of the programme. The student representative, Ramasodi Modisaotsile, shared her experience studying Chinese language at the GTCI, highlighting how the programme boosted her confidence, introducing her to new cultures, and opened global opportunities. She encouraged classmates to join, emphasising the joy of learning and personal growth. Concluding this expressing gratitude to GTCI, the university, and China, she aspires to continue improving and broadening her perspective. Meanwhile, the staff representative, Ms Hangwani Tshisikhawe com-mended and expressed her honour, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of learning Chinese. She emphasised the value of the GTCI courses beyond language, highlighting cultural activities. She concluded by congratulating the graduates and motivating them to continue their learning journey.
The Co-Director of GTCI, Prof Eric Maluta expressed gratitude to students, GTCI staff and the Uni-versity Management for attending the certificate handover ceremony, celebrating students’ dedica-tion to learning Chinese language and culture. Prof Maluta highlighted global opportunities linked to language proficiency, encouraging students to pursue further learning and travel to China. The most crucial point he emphasised was the role of the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) in skill development, particularly in green technology, with initiatives like a renewable energy train-ing programme. Lastly, he reinforced the economic and career benefits of mastering Chinese, urging students to seize available opportunities.
By fostering linguistic proficiency and cross-cultural understanding, the Green Technology Con-fucius Institute continues to strengthen ties between South Africa and China through education. As language connects people beyond borders, this ceremony is more than a simple hand-over but it is a testament to the power of learning, collaboration, and cultural appreciation amongst the UNIVEN community.
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