The customized ‘Chinese + South African Tourist Guide’ training program for the ‘2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges’ concludes successfully

Recently, in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, the 8th session of the customised “Chinese + South African Tourist Guide” training programme, alongside activities marking the “2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges,” has successfully concluded. 

The programme was hosted by the South African Department of Tourism and organised by the Confucius Classroom at the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC), Shanghai Sanda University.

The closing ceremony was attended by Ms Mmaditonki Setwaba, Deputy Director-General of the South African Department of Tourism; Ms Mathopa Lizzy, Chief Director; Ms Uveshnee Pillay, Director; Ms Celeste Fortuin, Deputy Director; DAI Wenhong, Chinese Director of the Confucius Classroom at CCIEEC; as well as 28 teachers, students, and invited guests.

The event celebrated the successful completion of training by 23 tourist guide trainees from seven provinces across South Africa, as well as the broader China–Africa people-to-people exchange initiative.

At the beginning of the ceremony, PAN Huibin, Vice President of Shanghai Sanda University, delivered a congratulatory video message.

He commended the trainees on completing the programme and encouraged them as they begin their professional journeys. He also expressed the university’s continued commitment to strengthening cooperation with South African partners in promoting Chinese language education, tourism talent development, and cultural exchange.

Ms Pillay highlighted in her remarks that the programme goes beyond language acquisition. She noted that it opens pathways to new cultural understanding, broader market opportunities, and meaningful professional and personal development for tourism practitioners, while contributing to national growth.

The ceremony featured a vibrant and festive atmosphere, with teachers and trainees from the Confucius Classroom presenting a variety of cultural performances. These included traditional Chinese dances, folk songs, contemporary Chinese music, and martial arts demonstrations.

The event coincided with the birthdays of two trainees, Qiong Jin and Ye Luoying, who were celebrated by participants singing a Chinese version of “Happy Birthday,” adding a warm and personal touch to the occasion.

During the ceremony, Ms Setwaba praised the training programme and reaffirmed support for strengthening tourism cooperation between China and South Africa. She encouraged the graduating tour guides to serve as storytellers and ambassadors of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage. Deputy Director Ms Fortuin also commended the professionalism and dedication of the Confucius Classroom team.

Since 2016, the Confucius Classroom at the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre has implemented tour guide training programmes on behalf of the South African Department of Tourism, reaching nearly 400 participants across all provinces.

Over the years, the programme has evolved from basic Chinese language instruction into a comprehensive, customised model that combines language learning, cultural immersion, and professional tour guiding skills.“I feel truly honoured to have participated in this training. It has been very inspiring, and I really appreciated the supportive learning environment, the diversity of the courses, and the professionalism of the teachers,” said outstanding trainee Qi Wanda, speaking on behalf of the participants.

Instructors Yang Yu, Zhao Lin, Zhang Yue, and Wang Qingchao noted that witnessing trainees progress from initial hesitation to confidently applying their skills in practical settings has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme.

The ceremony concluded with applause and well-wishes, marking another milestone in the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

The programme continues to emphasise language as a bridge, culture as a bond, and tourism as a window for mutual understanding.

Looking ahead, the Confucius Classroom at the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre will continue to collaborate with the South African Department of Tourism to support the development of tourism professionals.

Through language training and cultural exchange, the initiative aims to equip more South African tour guides to serve as effective communicators and promoters of China–South Africa friendship, fostering deeper cooperation between the two countries.