AMB WU PENG ADDRESSES SA STUDENTS RETURNING FROM SUCCESSFUL VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN CHINA

“First of all, let me extend on behalf of the (Chinese) Embassy my warmest congratulations to the first group of students from South African public TVET colleges for successfully completing your 150-day training program in China!

My sincere gratitude also goes to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Beijing Polytechnic（发音：泡利泰克尼克) College, and all our partners for your hard work and dedication to this initiative.

I was greatly inspired by all previous speakers. Your words speak volumes to the genuine friendship towards China and a strong desire to learn. Representatives of Chinese enterprises in South Africa have also expressed their welcome and support for your future employment. 

TVET, or technical and vocational education and training, is not only fundamental to employment and people’s well-being, but also a pillar for industrial upgrading and international competitiveness. TVET is strategic to a country’s sustainable development. 

Both China and South Africa attach great importance to vocational education, as well as to bilateral exchanges and cooperation in this field. This training program is a meaningful exploration and an active practice of China–South Africa cooperation in vocational education. Please allow me to share my observations at three different levels.

First, this program is a great demonstration of the China-South Africa friendship within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and cooperation among the Global South. 

During his visit to South Africa in 2023, President Xi Jinping observed that, in pursuing cooperation, we must stay people-centred so that the outcomes deliver greater benefits to our peoples, and that China supports the South African Government’s efforts to strengthen vocational education and promote youth employment. 

The South African Government places great emphasis on youth employment and skills development. China fully understands these priorities and has responded proactively. 

The programme was initiated by South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training and it enjoys active support from my Embassy, as well as the joint efforts of Chinese enterprises and educational institutions. The programme created a new model of vocational training featuring government support, embassy facilitation, and strong college–enterprise collaboration. 

The programme focuses on South Africa’s aspirations for green economic and social transition, and on promoting youth development and employment. It is mutually beneficial and reflects the vitality of the China-South Africa All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era in the education sector.

Second, the programme is action-oriented and results-driven. 

The Beijing Polytechnic College designed a customized training curriculum for you, which is tailored to BYD’s development in South Africa and the broader African market. I was told that three core instructors jointly provided great insights, with an immersive and scenario-based approach. The classroom has indeed become a workshop. 

This model completes the circle of “training, certification, and employment”. With the BYD “Excellent Talent” Maintenance Technician Certification that you earned, you have met the global competency benchmark for the new energy vehicle industry. You are now equipped to get a job upon graduation, and this program provides a replicable and scalable road-map for future vocational training. The program contributes Chinese wisdom and solutions to global TVET cooperation.

Third, this project marks a precious chapter of mutual learning and shared growth between the youth of our two nations. 

Over the past 150 days, you traveled across the ocean to master key technologies in the NEV sector. Meanwhile, you learned the Chinese language, participated in diverse cultural and sports activities, and visited historic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and 南锣鼓巷. 

In doing so, you are not only studying in China, but really beginning to understand China, with deeper perspectives on the Chinese culture and social development. You have forged deep bonds of friendship with Chinese teachers and students, and I am glad to hear that your academic performance and character have earned high praise from both the Chinese college and the DHET.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear students, not long ago, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the “2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges,”. President Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Africa should “carry forward our traditional friendship, enhance mutual learning between civilizations, and foster closer people-to-people exchanges, especially among the youth.” 

South Africa is a key partner in China-Africa cooperation, and you, our young friends, are the hope and future of the China-South Africa and China-Africa friendship.

It is my hope that you will apply the knowledge and skills you have learned to your future careers and business endeavors, as well as contribute your wisdom to South Africa’s industrial development and technological innovation. 

I am confident that you will become technical experts and industry pioneers who will speed up the implementation of more pragmatic cooperation projects to benefit even more South African young people.

I am convinced that you will always cherish your connection with China. When you return to your hometown and schools, I trust that you will share your stories, experiences, and insights with your family and friends and tell them about a true and multi-dimensional China with a full picture, and strive to carry forward and further promote China-South Africa friendship.

The Chinese Embassy in South Africa will continue to support friendly cooperation between our two sides in all fields, including vocational education and youth exchanges. We look forward to working with all sectors in South Africa to launch more projects of this kind, so as to create more opportunities for the youth of both nations.

In closing, I wish you all a brilliant and successful career. May you realize your dreams and reach your full potential in the years to come. May the tree of China-South Africa friendship flourish and remain forever green! I thank you.”