50 students jetting off to China
Today, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP addressed South African students that have been granted the Chinese Government Scholarship to study in China.
‘The Chinese and South African governments are actively striving to realise the wide ranging strategic partnership envisaged in 2010 through the signing of the Beijing Declaration that established our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The pace of trade and investment between our countries has been increasing over the years. And coupled with a closer international cooperation through the G-20 and BRICS grouping, South Africa-China ties are assuming a significant position in continental and global affairs’ said Mr Manana.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is engaging with China through the Chinese Government Scholarship and other training courses. The number of scholarships being offered to South Africa has grown since the programme’s inception in 2003. The duration of the scholarships ranges from six months for short courses, to three years for post-graduate studies at Master’s or Doctoral levels, or 5 years for a Bachelor’s degree. There are over 1000 South African students studying in China, either on government to government scholarship, as self-paying students recruited by the Chinese agencies, or through institution-to-institution collaborations.
In October 2014 a Scholarships Management Office was established in the Department to manage various scholarship opportunities, the Chinese programme being the largest at present. This year 53 students have been awarded the scholarship, and will be going to China to study in various fields.
The Deputy Minister said ‘it is my pleasure today to bid farewell to the largest group to be sent to China by the DHET to date. From over 180 applications that we received we interviewed about 150 students, and today we are sending 50 competent students. Most of the students here today are leaving home for the first time. To the students, there is nothing quite like being on your own in a foreign country. This experience might really bring out your independent nature and teach you to be self-reliant. Moreover, you will experience different styles of education and have access to expertise that is not always available in South Africa’.
The students appreciated what the Government is doing for the youth of this country, they promised to focus on the ball, come back and make a difference in their chosen fields.
Enquiries:
Busiswa Nongogo
Cell: 0613512695
E-mail: nongogo.b@dhet.gov.za,
Calvin Nkosi
Cell: 0847395468
E-mail: nkosi.c@dhet.gov.za
