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2 Apr, 2013

Durban to get Confucius Institute

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March 28, 2013 (CRI Online) – China and South Africa plan to strengthen ties in education and culture. One of the outcomes of President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to South Africa ws an agreement for a Confucius Institute at the Durban University of Technology.

South Africa is one of the countries on the continent with highest number of Confucius Institutes. And it’s soon to get a fourth at the Durban University of Technology. Chinese mandarin courses will be offered to staff, students as well as the local business community.

Teaching facilities are now ready. The Durban University of Technology has a total students of more than 23,000.

Construction of the Confucius Institute started five years ago with the submission of the application. School authorities say the Institute and mandarin courses are a wise decision, considering the current international backdrop.

Doctor Samuels says three Chinese teachers will arrive soon for language instruction.

He also explains the center’s long-term goal. They want to promote the internationalization of higher education among its many local and international university partners, and to deepen understanding between China and South Africa.