Consul General of China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang with Gauteng Speaker, Morakane Mosupyoe, during the handover of bursaries to 18 students.
Image: Supplied
The Consulate General of China in Joburg had distributed bursaries worth almost R500,000 to several tertiary students as part of the Education Empowerment Initiative in conjunction with the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
Consul General of China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang was joined by Gauteng Speaker, Morakane Mosupyoe, the student beneficiaries and representatives of different institutions of higher education during the handover of the cheques.
“It is really a great pleasure today that I, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg, stand before you announcing our bursary support to 18 learners from University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of the Witwatersrand, Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and South West Gauteng College with a total value of R498,000. Congratulations to the 18 beneficiaries,” Pan addressed the gathering.
“This bursary programme is a token of support to those learners in need from the Chinese Consulate and, more importantly, is a demonstration of consistent and strong common commitment and dedication.”
Consul General of China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang with Gauteng Speaker, Morakane Mosupyoe, during the handover of bursaries to 18 students.
Image: Supplied
The Chinese diplomat said the bursaries should be seen as a commitment to strengthening the close bond between China and South Africa.
“China and South Africa enjoy traditional friendship featuring comradeship plus brotherhood. Under the guidance of our two presidents, China-South Africa relationship has been elevated to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. We are gratified to note that between the two countries the political mutual trust has deepened, practical cooperation has flourished, cultural exchanges have broadened,” said Pan.
Consul General of China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang with Gauteng Speaker, Morakane Mosupyoe, during the handover of bursaries to 18 students.
Image: Supplied
He said the unprecedented bilateral relationship between China and South Africa stands as a model for China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation.
“As the Consul General of China in Johannesburg, I’m so proud and encouraged that sub-national friendship and cooperation between China and Gauteng and Free State, which are the Consulate’s consular districts, has yielded new results in various fields. Amity between peoples holds the key to the relationship between countries,” said Pan.
Consul General of China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang with Gauteng Speaker, Morakane Mosupyoe, and the beneficiary students during the handover of bursaries.
Image: Supplied
“The Consulate is willing to spare no efforts to further engage with people from all sectors, definitely with the continuous and valuable support from Honourable Speaker (Mosupyoe) and your office, to deliver more real and tangible benefits to our two peoples.”
Consul General of China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang with Gauteng Speaker, Morakane Mosupyoe, during the handover of bursaries to 18 students.
Image: Supplied
Furthermore, Pan said the Consulate General has advancement of education as one of its key priorities.
“Education serves as cornerstone for social progress and national development. Both our two countries attach great importance to education. Nelson Mandela once said education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
“China has implemented the strategy for invigorating the country through science and education. The Consulate General has undertaken the ‘Driving Education Culture’ project and carried out a series of activities in collaboration with local governments, universities and schools, communities and partners with the aim of fostering a caring and enabling environment for education from the whole society,” he said.
Consul General of China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang with Gauteng Speaker, Morakane Mosupyoe, during the handover of bursaries to 18 students.
Image: Supplied
“Today’s bursary programme is once again a step from us together with Honourable Speaker and provincial legislature to empower education, especially to ensure that learners in difficult financial situation can focus on their studies without extra burden.”
He added that the Consulate General in Johannesburg will continue to cooperate with the Gauteng Legislature to promote youth development and friendship between China and South Africa.
Consul General of China in Joburg, Pan Qingjiang with Gauteng Speaker, Morakane Mosupyoe, during the handover of bursaries to 18 students.
Image: Supplied
On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Mosupyoe told the gathering that Education Empowerment Initiative bursary programme was a celebration of the power of partnership in education.
“We are also gathered to honour the generosity of the Chinese government under the leadership of President Xi Jinping whose support has directly changed the lives of our young people.
Gauteng Speaker, Morakane Mosupyoe, during the handover of bursaries to 18 students in Joburg
Image: Supplied
“This bursary initiative is a clear demonstration of China’s commitment to empower the youth of Gauteng and the youth of our country generally, ensuring that talented students from our province can continue their studies without the financial burden of outstanding debt,” she said.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL
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