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 2024 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.
On photos: Guests at the event
The ceremony was not just about certificates, but it symbolizes 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.
In her welcoming speech, the Co-Director of GTCI Prof. Grace GE stated, “In the past year, GTCI has achieved numerous accomplishments through everyone’s joint efforts. We have not only successfully offered Chinese courses at different levels, but also continuously expanded our teaching scope to benefit more people, with a total student number reaching almost 800. GTCI also held a variety of lectures on Chinese culture, covering traditional Chinese festivals, Chinese martial arts and health preservation, various types of traditional Chinese arts, etc., benefiting over 2000 people throughout the year.” She specifically mentioned that Rainbow Choir, as an important cultural brand of GTCI, has been invited to perform on important occasions multiple times and has become a beautiful cultural landscape on the UNIVEN campus.
On photo: Co-Director of GTCI, Prof. Grace GE delivering a welcoming speech
UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni delivered a congratulatory speech to graduates. He 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 emphasized the role of the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) in strengthening educational and cultural ties between 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 development. He noted China’s advancements in renewable energy and the potential for South African students and researchers to benefit from these collaborations. As he concluded his speech, he congratulated graduates on their achievements, urging them to use their knowledge to bridge cultural and technological gaps for a sustainable future.
On photo: Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal delivering a congratulatory speech
In his speech, Director of International Relations and Partnership, Dr Segun Obadire commend-ed these students for completing their Chinese language training under GTCI. He highlighted the institute’s journey, from its 2019 agreement with Hubei University of Technology to its official es-tablishment in 2023. Dr Obadire stressed the institute’s dual focus on language and green technol-ogy, including initiatives in renewable energy and smart agriculture. Dr Obadire also stressed the importance of preserving local languages while learning Chinese, encouraging cultural exchange.
On photo: Dr Segun Obadire, Director of International Relations and Partnership (right) delivering a speech and Co-Director of GTCI, Prof. Grace GE (left) translating
The student representative, Ramasodi Modisaotsile, shared her experience studying the Chinese language at GTCI, highlighting how the programme boosted her confidence, introducing her to new cultures, and opened global opportunities. She encouraged classmates to join the Chinese programme, emphasizing 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 commended and expressed her honour, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of learning Chinese. She empha-sised 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.
On photos: Student representative Ramasodi Modisaotsile (left) and staff representative Ms. Hangwani Tshisikhawe (right) delivering speeches
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Bernard Nthambeleni handed over the Graduation Certificates to all graduates and congratulated each one of them on their achievement. After a year of study, a total of 83 students have met the graduation requirements of the beginner Chinese courses. Among them, 60 students were awarded the Elementary Chinese 1A Graduation Certificate and 23 students were awarded the Elementary Chinese 1B Graduation Certificate.
On photos: Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal (left) handing over certificates to graduates
Based on students’ academic performance and activity engagement frequency, GTCI has also established multiple awards for outstanding students, among which, 8 UNIVEN students won the “Best Academic Performance” award, 4 won the “Best GTCI Program Engagement” award, and 2 UNIVEN staff won the “Best Staff Learner” award. GTCI prepared Chinese books and bookstore vouchers for the winners encouraging them to continue Chinese language learning in the future. Those awards were presented by the Acting DVC of UNIVEN Prof. Joseph Francis.
On photos: Prof Joseph Francis, UNIVEN Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal (left) presenting awards to recipients
In addition, GTCI has established a special surprise award, the “GTCI Best Support Award”, to recognize individuals who have provided the most support and made outstanding contributions to the development of GTCI. The winners of this award include the UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Bernard Nthambeleni, Director of International Relations and Partnerships Dr. Segun Oba-dire, GTCI Administrative Assistant Mr. Tsundzuka Hakamela, and Mr. Chen Liang, Chairman of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the Limpopo Province.
On photos: The biggest GTCI supporters receiving awards
The GTCI Rainbow Chorus performed the classic Chinese song “Jasmine Flower” and the cheerful pop song “Today You Are Going to Marry Me”. GTCI alumni Relic Rikhotso brought a wonderful nunchakus performance, showcasing the beauty of the combination of strength and softness in Chinese martial arts. The rhythmic and energetic performance won a big applause from the audience.
In the vote of thanks, The Co-Director of GTCI, Prof Eric Maluta expressed gratitude to students, GTCI staff and the University Management for attending the ceremony, celebrating students dedication to learning the Chinese language and culture. He highlighted global opportunities linked to language proficiency, encouraging students to pursue further learning in China. The most crucial point he emphasized was the role of GTCI in skill development, particularly in green technology, with initiatives like a renewable energy training program. 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 a testament to the power of learning, collaboration, and cultural appreciation amongst the UNIVEN community.
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Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
