The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training of South Africa attended the opening ceremony of the 2024 Belt & Road and BRICS Competition of Skills Development and Technology Innovation South Africa International Tournament.

Director Estelle Taylor extended the warmest welcome to all participants, stating that this competition serves as a platform for us to collectively explore an innovative future, share knowledge and experience, and promote global skills enhancement and technological development. The Northwest University of South Africa has always been committed to fostering cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, assisting South Africa in addressing current challenges.

Dr. Liu Zhenying delivered a speech on behalf of the Chinese delegation. He stated that South Africa, as one of the BRICS nations, hosting this competition provides an excellent opportunity for participants from various countries to learn from and draw inspiration from one another. He expressed hope that through this event, the potential of BRICS+ nations in skills development and technology innovation could be further explored, promoting cooperation and exchange in emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence and new energy. This would collectively address global challenges and contribute to the sustainable development of the world. Additionally, he emphasized advancing China-South Africa collaboration in establishing technical and skills standards, constructing International Training Bases for BRICS Future Technical Skills and Humanities Exchange Talents(BRICS Workshop), conducting training sessions under the Belt & Road Initiative and BRICS Auditorium of Skills Development and Technology Innovation, as well as implementing intercollegiate cooperation, joint educational programs, and credit recognition between China and Africa, particularly between China and South Africa.

Ms. Mapule Ncanywa stated that BRICS nations, as important representatives of emerging global economies, are playing an increasingly vital role in global governance with an open and cooperative approach. Against the backdrop of rapid technological advancement and accelerated industrial transformation, skills development and technology innovation are not only key drivers of economic growth but also critical pillars for achieving social equity and sustainable development. This competition, themed "Skills Drive the Future, Innovation Leads Development," has brought together outstanding talents and technical experts from China and South Africa, providing us with a high-level platform to promote learning, exchange, and collaboration. We believe that through this competition, we can not only uncover outstanding technological achievements from various countries but also inspire more young generations to engage in skills learning and innovative practices, contributing to our shared BRICS future.

Ms. Alina Doskanova, Chair of Russia Chapter of BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group, attended the opening ceremony online and delivered a speech. Alina emphasized that the BRICS Skills Competition, as an important mechanism for cooperation among BRICS countries, has received high recognition from all member states. She expressed hope that the competition would continue to play a positive role in promoting technology and skills development as well as people-to-people exchanges among BRICS nations.

The participating athletes and referees from China and South Africa solemnly took the oath on behalf of their respective national delegations.

Deputy Minister Buti Manamela delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of diverse exchanges and deepening skills cooperation among BRICS countries.

Subsequently, Dr. Liu Zhenying, Ms. Mapule Ncanywa, Mr. Mzayifani Ngwenya, and Mr. Mulalo Thabela delivered their respective speeches.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Liu Zhenying engaged in in-depth discussions with local government officials of South Africa and the Mayor of Eastern Cape, while also granting interviews to multiple media outlets.

He mentioned that the competition held at EASTC and various institutions in South Africa supports the development vision of both Chinese and South African universities, expands the international training base for future technical skills and cultural exchanges, and holds milestone significance. Specifically, by promoting cooperation and exchange programs among BRICS countries, it enables skills and education to empower young people with better capabilities, jointly creating a brighter and more promising future.

As the finale of the opening ceremony, Dr. Liu Zhenying and Ms. Mapule Ncanywa jointly presented plaques to the Northwest University of South Africa and the Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Institute, officially designating the two institutions as International Training Bases for BRICS Future Technical Skills and Humanities Exchange Talents(BRICS Workshop). These bases will undertake work such as curriculum development, skills training, and standard formulation.