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.
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of renewal, reflection, and reunion for billions of people around the world. It is a time when families come together, traditions are honoured, and hopes for the future are revived. And this year, as we usher in the majestic reign of the Dragon, we do so with a sense of anticipation and optimism.
The Dragon, the fifth animal in the Chinese Zodiac, is revered for its strength, power, and symbolism. It is a creature of myth and legend, embodying the spirit of resilience, wisdom, and good fortune. As we embrace the energy of the Dragon, let us also embrace the qualities it represents – courage, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity.
Today, as we embark on this journey into the Year of the Dragon, let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the past year and to express our gratitude for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped us. Let us also look forward with hope and optimism to the adventures that await us in the year ahead.
As we celebrate this great occasion, let us remember the importance of
community, unity, and friendship. Let us reach out to one another with open
hearts and open minds, embracing the diversity of our cultures and traditions.
For it is through our shared experiences and shared values that we find
strength, resilience, and the power to create a brighter future for all.
Finally, let’s welcome our brand new staff members at the Confucius Institute:
1. Ms Ralo Sposethu , or simply Sethu, from Makhanda, South Africa
2. Ms Chen Xinlei, from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, CHI 1
3. Ms Deng Yiping, from Guangzhou, Guangdong, CHI 3
4. Ms Yi Danni, from Hunan Province, CHI 2
I thank them all for agreeing to come to join the Confucius Institute at Rhodes
University and be part of our family for the year 2024. This is probably their
first celebration of Chinese New Year outside China, and in Africa.
Therefore, let us raise our glasses in celebration, and toast to the Year of the
Dragon – may it be a year filled with prosperity, peace, and happiness for each
and every one of us. Xin Nian Kuai Le! Happy New Year!
By Prof Patrice Mwepu, Director: CIRU