UWC Staff and Students Attend Teachers’ Day Celebration and Award Ceremony at the Consulate General of China in Cape Town

On 10 September 2025, the Consulate General of China in Cape Town hosted a reception to mark the 41st Teachers’ Day. Teachers’ Day, celebrated annually on 10 September in China, has a long tradition of honoring educators that dates back to the ancient dynasties.

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) delegation included Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Balfour; Dr. Umesh Bawa, Director of the International Relations Office; All staff from Confucius Institute, Dr. Xuesheng Ma from the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences; and students studying Chinese language, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

Consul General Mr. You Wenze and Professor Balfour both delivered remarks highlighting the vital role of international Chinese-language educators in fostering cultural and educational exchange between China and South Africa. Representing UWC students, Muneiwa Malego Magadani from the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture programme shared her learning journey, expressed her passion for Chinese medicine and language, and offered heartfelt Teachers’ Day greetings to all educators. Afterwards, Consul General You and Professor Balfour jointly presented certificates to UWC recipients of the China–South Africa Health Scholarship and the short-video competition “My View of Chinese Modernization.”

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Confucius Institute lecturer Ms. Liu Xinru and Ms. Peng Jingchun from the Confucius Classroom at Cape Mathematics and Science Academy performed a Hulusi duet of “The Moonlit Night over the Fernleaf Bamboo.”

The celebration honored the dedication of teachers while strengthening educational and cultural ties between China and South Africa, further enriching the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.