Confucius Institute at UWC Visits Rhodes University for a Cultural Exchange Lecture

On August 4, 2025, Dr. Changhong Wu , Co-Director of the Confucius Institute  of Chinese Medicine at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and TCM lecturer Ms. Yang Hang were invited to deliver a lecture and promote traditional health exercises at Rhodes University Confucius Institute. The event aimed to foster academic exchange and promote traditional Chinese medicine culture.

The lecture was well received, drawing considerable attention from faculty and students at Rhodes University's Department of Languages. Dr. Hang Yang introduced the topic with an overview of the development of TCM in South Africa and explained key concepts such as holism, yin-yang theory, qi, and meridian systems. She also discussed the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment, illustrating the clinical use of acupuncture and herbal medicine with real-life examples.

During the interactive session, Ms. Yang demonstrated acupuncture techniques and acupoint selection, offering participants a firsthand experience of TCM practices. She also guided the audience through Baduanjin, a traditional TCM wellness exercise, emphasizing the practical value of preventive health in daily life.

In addition to the lecture, the UWC delegation, accompanied by Prof. Patrice Kabeya Mwepu and Prof. Liu Dexue, Co-Directors of the Rhodes University Confucius Institute, visited the university’s Faculty of Pharmacy. They held in-depth discussions with Prof. S. Daya, Head of the Department, exploring opportunities for collaboration in education and research related to traditional and modern medicine.

This visit not only strengthened the ties between the two Confucius Institutes but also laid a foundation for further promoting TCM culture within South Africa’s higher education landscape.