Scholarships to Hangzhou Normal University in the City of Hangzhou, in the Zhejiang Province, China open to qualifying post-matriculants from the Sarah Baartman District

Are you a post-matriculant with dreams of pursuing higher education abroad? Here's your chance to turn those dreams into reality! Hangzhou Normal University in China is offering five full scholarships to qualifying candidates from the Sarah Bartman District. This prestigious opportunity covers first-year tuition fees, travel, and visa costs, with additional support available for disadvantaged applicants. Continued support in subsequent years depends on performance.

Exploring the Nexus of Wealth, Inequality, and Artistic Expression: Insights from Professor Patrice Mwepu's Workshop Participation

From 7 to 9 January 2024, Professor Patrice Mwepu, from French and Francophone Studies, and the Confucius Institute at Rhodes, delved into a thought-provoking workshop held at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. This scholarly gathering was aimed to dissect the intricate tapestry of wealth accumulation, societal inequality, and their analysis in various disciplines, including geography, economics, history, and literature. Organised under the auspices of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence initiative, the workshop brought together scholars from different geographical spaces, including representatives from the University of Bayreuth (Germany), Moi University (Kenya), and the University of Ghana.

Chinese New Year 2024 Address (23 February 2024)

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and friends, Welcome to our grand celebration of the Chinese New Year at Rhodes University, the promising beginning of the Year of the Dragon! It is with great joy and excitement that we gather here today to mark the start of this significant cultural festival.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year at Confucius Rhodes University

On Friday 23 February 2024, Chinese Studies students, lecturers, and guests convened at the Confucius Institute to commemorate the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or the Chinese Spring Festival, which stands as China's most significant cultural event. Spanning 15 days, this festival, commencing with the new moon on 11 February 2024, holds deep-rooted cultural significance within China and among Chinese communities globally. Its essence lies in the symbolic act of bidding farewell to the old while ushering in the new.

A great start to a New Year for Chinese Studies lecturers

The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at Jinan University (Guangzhou, China) run a yearly programme that allows Chinese teachers to teach Chinese studies at Rhodes University. As such, the Confucius Institute recently welcomed three new lecturers namely, Ms Chen Xinlei (Chinese 1), Ms Yi Danni (Chinese2), and Ms Deng Yiping (Chinese 3). This programme promotes knowledge-sharing and knowledge exchange as these lecturers get to teach Chinese Studies while getting to know more about South African languages, cultures, and experience the country.

Confucius Institute Bids Farewell to Staff Members

2023 was another successful year for the Confucius Institute. The staff and students contributed to the positive learning environment which allowed for the growth and prosperity of the institute. For this reason, it is with much sadness that the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University loses three of its teaching staff. Ms. ZHU Jingjing, Ms. ZOU Hanyang, and Ms. Gisela Zipp will all be departing from Rhodes University at the end of 2023 with the fondest memories. Hanyang and Jingjing both joined the Confucius Institute at the beginning of 2022. They were fresh faces with new ideas, eager to start teaching and learning in a new country.

Ms. Zou Hanyang's expedition to Alexandria, Kenton-on-Sea and Port-Alfred

Ms. Zou Hanyang enthusiastically joined the French 3 Class during their annual tourism excursion. This tradition offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in fresh experiences while exploring various destinations in the Eastern Cape, culminating in a creative project inspired by their journey. This year, the French 3 class embarked on a captivating journey to three remarkable places: Alexandria, Kenton-on-Sea, and Port Alfred.

Breaking bread together: The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University celebrates the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated in Chinese culture, where the full moon is a symbol of family reunion. Ancient Chinese emperors traditionally used the Mid-Autumn Festival to pray for the harvest, fine weather, and peace for the country.

Rhodes University Confucius Institute join the Celebration of Teachers’ Day in Cape Town

In 1985, the National People’s Congress of China officiated the 10th of September as the official Teachers’ Day to be celebrated annually.

Enrol in the Master's Programme in Chinese Studies at Rhodes University!

The Chinese Studies Section within the School of Languages and Literatures at Rhodes University is delighted and honoured to launch its Master's Programme in Chinese Studies. The accreditation of this qualification by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in 2022 marks its official commencement in January 2023. Distinguished as the first of its kind in South Africa and the African continent, this programme offers students a unique opportunity to advance their studies within the field of Chinese Studies.

Rhodes University Wins the Third Prize at the Chinese Bridge Competition

Rhodes University students have once again showcased their abilities at the 22nd Chinese Language Proficiency Bridge Competition hosted by Durban University of Technology on 26 May 2023. According to Ms Zou Hanyang, the competition held this year marked a remarkable comeback, as it was the first in-person event since the 2020 pandemic. The outcome of the competition was successful, highlighting the students' good achievements and resilience.

A Chinese Delegation Visits Rhodes University

On 2nd May 2023, the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University (CIRU) and the International Office hosted two representatives from the Education Division of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa.

Calligraphy Classes at CIRU

Chinese characters have been part of Chinese culture and history for thousands of years. These characters are used in Chinese speaking communities as the official writing system of communication. Because of their long history, Chinese characters have evolved over time and are seen today in five major styles of calligraphy writing: seal script (篆书), clerical script (隶书), cursive script (草书), semi-cursive script (行书), and regular script (楷书). Each style of script was formed in a different dynasty and has its own unique characteristics.

CIRU celebrates International Chinese Language Day

International Chinese Language Day is a holiday established to promote and foster the Chinese language and culture. In order to celebrate International Chinese Day, and to give students a better understanding of the cultural differences, we planned a special movie viewing of "Grandson Comes From America".

The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University Welcomes the New Consul General

The year 2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of the official partnership between South Africa and the People's Republic of China. It all started in 1998 with the signing of a diplomatic agreement between the two nations. This great event coincides this year with the arrival of the new Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Cape Town, His Excellency Mr You Wenze.

The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University Welcomes New Students

On Friday 24 February 2023, a welcoming event was held at the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University (CIRU) for its new students, an event that is slowly turning into a tradition at the Institute

Confucius Institute Bids Farewell to Ms Sasha-Lee Schafli

As we start the 2023 academic year, the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University says goodbye to one of its most welcoming staff members, Ms Sasha-Lee Schafli, or simply, Sasha. After working for Confucius for the last three years, Sasha is now embarking on a new journey in Cape Town. On Monday, January 30th, the Confucius staff organised a farewell party for her, filled with joy and celebration rather than tears.

Rhodes University Students Shine at the South African University Students Essay Contest

In order to strengthen the friendship between South Africa and China, increase South African youth’s understanding of China’s recent development, and to promote the South Africa-China people-to-people exchanges, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa organised in 2022 a student essay writing competition with the theme “Xi Jinping’s Thoughts through South African University Students’ Eyes”. Students from any South African universities were eligible to participate.

Farewell at the Confucius Institute for Outgoing Students

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Chinese Studies Lecturer Visits Port Alfred

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Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Style at Rhodes University

Like every year, the Mid-Autumn Festival took place on Saturday 10 September in China and all over the world where Chinese culture is observed. There was no exception at the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University. This event was celebrated on Thursday September 8 and Friday September 9, respectively by high school learners from Saint Andrews and Diocesan School for Girls, and by students enrolled in Chinese studies at Rhodes University. There was also the participation of members of the teaching and administrative staff from different divisions, as well as staff members from Nyaluza High School. Speaking at both occasions, Professor Patrice Mwepu, who is the Director of the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University, greeted the guests while expressing his joy to see them come to honour the invitation to celebrate this event together. By way of welcome, he said that it was great joy to come face to face without masks after a long period dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, he said, is the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This day corresponds, in Chinese culture, to the harvest season. The joy of the abundance of

Nathaniel Pumla High School Learners Visit the Confucius Institute

Friday 9 September 2022 was an eventful day at the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University. Coming to Makhanda as part of their participation to the National Science Festival, learners from Nathaniel Pumla High School in Peddie took the opportunity to visit the Confucius Institute as well as the School of Languages and Literatures, following the invitation sent to the school by Prof Liu Dexue and Prof Patrice Mwepu, who are both Directors of the Institute. There were 103 learners accompanied by three teachers. In his speech, Professor Patrice Mwepu welcomed the learners, while teaching them a few words of the Chinese language. He expressed to them the hope that one day they complete their high school and begin their university studies. Regarding the curriculum choice, Prof Mwepu introduced learners to the possibilities that Rhodes University offers. He gave them a tour of the School of Languages and Literatures Building before leaving them in the hands of the Chinese language lecturers, Ms Zou Hongmin and Zou Hanyang, who showed them a film on Chinese culture. Before returning home to Peddie, the Confucius Institute offered them a light meal. The transport was organised and paid

CIRU’s Lecturer Graduates

CIRU’s Lecturer Graduates

Encounter with Chinese

Encounter with Chinese

Confucius Institute Bids Farewell to Ms Li Zang

At the end of the first term, the Confucius Institute bid a fond farewell to a very special lecturer, Ms Li Zang, or Lily, who worked for four years in the Chinese Section of the School of Languages and Literatures. Ms Zang joined Rhodes University in 2017 after completing her Master’s degree at Jinan University in Guangzhou (China). She hoped to experience a different culture and share her love for the Chinese language and culture with students in Africa. During her time, Ms Zang adopted multiple roles and responsibilities to help the Confucius Institute grow and attract more students. In 2019 she took on a more administrative role; while this was an additional workload, she worked diligently and contributed significantly to the improvement of Chinese Studies’ programme. Under the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic and online learning, Ms Zang felt very motivated to ensure that her students participate fully and engage with the content even under their difficult circumstances. These efforts were highly appreciated and show further proof of her dedication as a lecturer. Ms Zang fostered great working relationships with her students, as well as staff at the School of Languages a

Alumnus Interview: Johnson Huang

An interview with Alumnus Johnson Huang

Alumnus interview: Michael Davies

An interview with Alumnus Michael Davies on his journey with the Chinese language

Introducing Tai Chi at Rhodes University

Feeling tired, stressed, having stiff joints or just in the mood to try something new? How about trying out Tai Chi? The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University recently introduced this martial art form to introduce more people to Chinese culture as well as to learn about a Chinese pastime. Many of the participants who are part of the class wanted to join because they had never done Tai Chi before, and since it is a new activity, many of the people were curious to find out about what Tai Chi is about. Tai Chi is a form of Kung Fu; it has more smooth, slow and controlled movements. The focus is to be aware of all the movements in your body and to keep balance.

2022 Chinese New Year at Rhodes University

The last time the world celebrated the Year of the Tiger was over a decade ago in 2010! At the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University (CIRU) there was a buzz of excitement to ring in the Chinese New Year; it was the first time in two years that they were able to gather safely, due to the Covid-19 pandemic that took the world by surprise. With a wide array of food, both traditional and local, the festivities created a lovely atmosphere for all in attendance.

Chinese Staff Saying Goodbye to Rhodes University

On 2 December 2019, Rhodes University Confucius Institute bade farewell to a number of its staff members; this included Professor Zhang Jun, the Head of the Chinese Studies, and Ms Wu Pingping and Ms Wang Shuang who were the teaching assistants. The farewell dinner was held at The Highlander. The purpose of this dinner was to celebrate the contribution made by each of these individuals during their time spent at Rhodes University; and they were joined by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Peter Clayton, Professor Patrice Mwepu, Confucius Institute local Director, Mrs Fu Shuying, a DSG Chinese teacher amongst other guests. Contributions, which can be highlighted for Prof Zhang, would be, among others, the introduction of Chinese Honours as well as the new Confucius Institute building.

Chinese New Year 2020 Celebration at Rhodes University

By Sacrée Kabeya 2020 has come, and it has brought with it the Chinese Year of the Rat! This is a very significant holiday period for the Chinese as it brings together families from all over the world to celebrate the new year. The Chinese New Year began on 25 January 2020 and all the festivities will last until 8 February 2020.

Chinese New Year 2021 Celebration and COVID-19 Impact on Normalcy

According to the Chinese Calendar, 2021 is the Year of the Ox. It began on the 12th of February and will end on the 26th of February. The Year of the Ox is significant because it symbolises transformation, change in direction, and hope for prosperity. We are still hoping for a change in direction, especially because scientists around the world have developed COVID-19 vaccines. In China people often celebrate the new year with visits from family members from all over China; many houses are decorated with special paintings, and these are all for good fortune in the new year”, explains Professor Liu Dexue, Director of the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University.

New staff member, Gisela Zipp, joins the Chinese Studies

The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University often gets new staff members from China to join the department every year. This year, in addition, there is a new local lecturer. Ms Gisela Zipp completed the three-year Chinese programme at Rhodes University, a Master degree in German Studies, and then went on to live in China for six and a half years. In Chongqing (China), Ms Zipp taught English at an international school. During that period, she has acquainted herself with the language and the culture, and has completed the Chinese HSK Tests Level 5, and passed the Advanced HSKK, which is the most advanced level for spoken Chinese. Ms Zipp is excited for this new role at the School of Languages and Literatures.

Rhodes University Students Win at 2021 Chinese Bridge Competition

Rhodes University students Namukuta Sonia Charity Sajjabi and Robert Kincaid participated and won prizes at this year’s Chinese Bridge Competition hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Town. This annual event, called "Chinese Bridge", which is a Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, aims to provide a stage for college students learning Chinese from all over the world to demonstrate their Chinese proficiency and create a platform for mutual learning and communication. It can boost their enthusiasm and interest in learning Chinese and enhance their understanding of the Chinese language and culture.

Confucius Institute at Rhodes University Welcomes New Staff

With every new year comes new ventures and changes. 2022 at the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University is no exception. This year the Confucius Institute welcomes four new lecturers: Ms Wan Ru (Chinese 3 course convenor), Ms Zou Hongmin (Chinese 2), Ms Zou Hanyang (Chinese 1), and Ms Zhu Jingjing (Chinese Honours).

Rhodes University launches new model Confucius Institute

Delegates from as far as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) travelled to Makhanda to celebrate the opening of the new model Confucius Institute Centre at Rhodes University on 9 November.

Rhodes University Celebrating the 2019 Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

Friday 13 September was the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival celebration hosted by Professor Zhang Jun, the Head of the Chinese Studies at Rhodes University. The celebration was held at The Cock House with an atmosphere filled with laughter, food and an amalgamation of cultures and languages. The event was joined by various academic staff members in the department, namely Dr Undine Weber, who is the Head of the School of Languages and Literatures, and Professor Patrice Mwepu, the local Director of Confucius Institute at Rhodes University, as well as other invited guests. It was Friday the 13th but there were no bad spirits in the air, just festivities. The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is an important one in the Chinese calendar bringing together families and of course mooncakes!

Chinese corner for High School students continues to be a fun place

Some members of DSG Mandarin class and Victoria Girls High School Mandarin Club attended their 6th language learning and Chinese cultural Event (Chinese Corner) for this year on the night of 29 October at the Chinese Centre, 36 Somerset Street.

China Week and Confucius Institute Day - a great success!

As the university community was still excited about the international flavour, including the taste of Chinese cuisine, brought about by the Heritage Day, a new tide of China wave followed the day.

10th Anniversary of Confucius Institute and Confucius Institute Day

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Confucius Institute establishment and the Headquarters of Confucius Institute has decided on the 27th of September as the Confucius Institute Day celebration.

Chinese Speech and Talents Show

Chinese studies students gather together to compete by delivering a speech in Chinese and show their talents by performing in various ways in relation to aspects of Chinese culture.

On 26 of May 2014, members of Confucius Institute at Rhodes University (CIRU) bid farewell to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Saleem Badat, of Rhodes University.

On 26 of May 2014, members of Confucius Institute at Rhodes University (CIRU) bid farewell to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Saleem Badat, of Rhodes University. It is an emotional occasion when the staff recalled the precious support that VC has given to CIRU from the very beginning of its establishment.

The New Confucius Institute

On the basis of a general agreement between Confucius Institutes Headquarters and Rhodes University, signed in 2007 at the 2nd Confucius Institute Conference in Beijing, Jinan University in Guangzhou, China, was invited as a partner university to participate in the establishment of Confucius Institute at Rhodes University, through a binding supplementary agreement. Both universities share a lot in common despite of the geographic distances. Rhodes University, established in 1904, and Jinan University, established in 1906, both have a history of over 100 years. In August 2008, Confucius Institute at Rhodes University launched the first China Week, to pave the way for the intended fir