University of Johannesburg Confucius Institute (UJCI) is co-founded by University of Johannesburg and Nanjing Tech University. It began operations in February 2015 and was officially launched in January 2016. UJCI has been awarded the "2019 Global Confucius Institute Year Award" honor by the headquarters of the Confucius Institute last year. Before the virus, there are about 20 employees, including four inner-divisions: teaching department, administrative publicity department, academic research department and cultural activity department. UJCI has been devoted into teaching and committed to improving the quality of Chinese teaching. Different levels and types of Chinese courses, such as Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Mandarin, has been provided as credited course of UJ. In addition to offering Chinese courses at universities such as University of Johannesburg and University of Witwatersrand, UJCI was also invited to afford Chinese Language and culture training for SA government department and industry, such as Department of Science & Innovation, Department of Health, Department of Tourism, the local staff of the South Africa China Economic & Trade Association, the tourism, Chinese medicine industry, as well as the Huawei seeds for the future Program. The Chinese Bridge competitions is the most important and typical competition to show the teaching effect of an institute. In the past five year, our students got the first Prize for four years in the South African Final bound, and delegated SA to participate the global Chinese Bridge competition. Meanwhile, cultural courses such as Chinese Calligraphy, Martial Arts, Traditional Chinese Dance and Chinese Ink Painting, etc are offered in UJCI as well. A Wushu club is also built here.
UJCI places emphasis on high-level academic exchanges and brings together think tank resources. In November 2018, UJCI promoted the establishment of university-level centre——the Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS). H.E. Ambassador Lin Songtian, Prof Marwala, President of UJ, Co-directors Dr Monyae and Prof Peng were unveiled. CACS and the Chinese Embassy in South Africa have co-sponsored high-level international forums, and invited Russian ambassadors, experts in Cambridge University, Peking University and other experts and scholars from many countries over the world. A significant platform for cooperation in education and other fields has been provided by CACS.
UJCI is characterized by the promotion of scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries. In August 2019, under the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the two countries, the embassies in South Africa, and other parties, UJCI has promoted an international joint research centre. The China-South Africa Chemical Engineering and Environment Joint Research Centre was established, and Prof Marwala, VC of UJ and Prof Qiao Xu, VC of Nanjing Tech University signed the agreement and unveiled. UJCI promoted Ph.D. students in related fields in South Africa to Nanjing Tech University for short semester exchanges, and Nanjing Tech University full scholarship funding. Affording technical Chinese language and culture for the SA Department of Science & Innovation, Department of Health, Huawei seeds for the future program and has set up a relationship with them.
The annual Chinese New Year celebration, Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, South African martial arts show and other events hosted by UJCI are popular with locals. Each year through summer and winter camps, senior educator groups, Chinese bridge competitions and other projects, many outstanding students of UJCI have been provided the opportunity to visit China or even study in China.
