The Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) at the University of Venda, on 14 April 2025, opened the 2025 International Chinese Language Day celebrations with a rich cultural showcase under the theme: “Cloud Tour China: Cities – Timeless Gifts Across the Dynasties.” The workshop, held at the UNIVEN Art Gallery, from attendance of students and staff members an immersive three-day journey into the heart of Chinese civilisation, blending history, innovation, and hands-on experiences that reflect the evolving relationship between China and South Africa.
Attendees of the workshop
The celebration began with a heartfelt opening remark by Mr Ted Xiong, who set the tone with his inspiring message of unity and linguistic empowerment: “It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to the celebration of the International Chinese Language Day at the Green Technology Confucius Institute. We gather not only to appreciate the beauty of the Chinese language but also to celebrate the bridges it builds between cultures, especially between the peoples of China and South Africa,” he said.
Mr Ted Xiong Senior Lecturer of GTCI giving an opening remark
Mr Xiong highlighted the deeper significance of Chinese Language Day, official-ly observed on 20 April to align with the Grain Rain, a traditional Chinese so-lar term symbolising renewal. He spoke passionately about the value of learn-ing Chinese not just for communication, but as a doorway to global opportunity, mutual understanding, and friendship, particularly between two growing BRICS nations.
Prof Eric Maluta, Co-Director of Green Technology Confucius Institute, University of Venda giving a welcoming speech
Prof Eric Maluta welcomed everyone to the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI), where the focus is on green technology and skills development. He encourages students to engage in cultural exchange and emphasised the opportunities available to visit and study in China, rang-ing from short trips to full academic programmes. He shared personal reflections on how real experiences in China differ from media portrayals and urged students to take advantage of these global opportunities. With humour and sincerity, he likens the students to his children and encourages them to listen, learn, ask questions, and enjoy the upcoming three-day event.
Prof Grace GE explained that International Chinese Language Day, established by the Unit-ed Nations 15 years ago, aims to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity, goals which align with the event today. She emphasised the importance of learning not just Chinese language, but also the experience of China as a rapidly developing country and invites at-tendees to visit the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) to share their knowledge.
She briefly discussed the six official languages of the UN, which include English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic, and underscores the significance of Chinese as one of these working languages. She mentioned the success of last year’s celebration at the Health Sciences Building and highlighted the excitement for this year’s event, which will in-clude workshops about Chinese cities, ranging from ancient to modern and innovative.
Prof Grace GE thanked everyone for attending and encouraged them to en-joy the experience, explore the city tours, and participate in the activities.
Professor Tawanda Runhare, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education (FHSSE) giving a keynote speech
The intellectual heartbeat of the day came from the powerful keynote speech by Prof Tawanda Runhare, whose reflections on the role of language in African educa-tion challenged attendees to think critically about identity, equity, and decolonisation.
In a moving address, Prof Runhare explored the theme, “The Language Factor in the Realisa-tion of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).” He pointed out that although Chinese (Man-darin) is the world’s second most spoken language, African education remains heavily de-pendent on colonial European languages. “Language is not just a medium of communication, it is an instrument for critical thinking, self-reflection, imagination, and empathy,” he noted.
Drawing on interactionist theory and African educational philosophy, Prof Runhare called on institutions to adopt mother-tongue instruction and to decolonise academic content, es-pecially in science and technology, to reflect and preserve indigenous knowledge systems. He acknowledged the Confucius Institute’s model of cultural exchange but urged a paral-lel movement to elevate Tshivenda, Xitsonga, and other African languages in formal education.
Following his compelling address, attendees were treated to the Cloud Tour Exhibition, which brought eight iconic Chinese cities to life through visual displays and interactive cultural activities. With their Cloud Tour Passports in hand, attendees began their virtual journey, collecting stamps at each city booth and engaging in traditional crafts, calligraphy, and tastings of Chinese tea.
Ms Zoey Zhang introducing the Chinese cities
The theme of the workshop, “Cloud Tour China,” invited participants to explore the history and future of Chinese cities through three exciting workshops. The first day kicked off with the session titled “Cultural DNA of China – Historic Capitals and Heritage Cities,” which immersed attendees in China’s millennia-old urban heritage. From ancient capitals to culturally significant cities, the key-note, delivered by Ms Zoey Zhang, offered a fascinating look into China’s enduring urban identity.
As the day ended, Mr Xiong offered his final reflections, noting the event as a vibrant plat-form showcasing Chinese culture through workshops, cultural activities, and more, and a celebration of what unites us: curiosity, dialogue, and the shared joy of learning.
He expressed that this is just the beginning. “Together, let’s turn language into friendship and words into shared dreams,” he said as he concluded.
The International Chinese Language Day celebration continued with two more work-shops between 15 and 16 April, themed Regional Mosaic: Distinctive Cultures from North to South in China and Innovation Frontiers: Smart Cities and Tech Megaci-ties in China as each day promised new insights into the diversity and dynamism of China, with more exhibitions, cloud tour check-ins, and cultural engagements.
As the GTCI celebration unfolded, one thing is clear: language is more than a means of communication, but it is a bridge between worlds, a spark for collaboration, and a key to a shared global future.
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Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
