South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training and the BRICS Business Council Skills Development and Applied Technology Innovation Working Group Visited Chongqing — Unveiling of the “China Chongqing–South Africa (Inter-city) Vocational Educati

On May 27, to further promote China–South Africa cooperation in vocational education and jointly build a high-quality international brand, a delegation from the South African Department of Higher Education and Training, the BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group (South African and China Chapters), the Durban municipal government, and representatives from South African institutions visited Chongqing to attend the “China Chongqing–South Africa (Inter-city) International Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Meeting on Vocational Education,” held at the Chongqing Academy of Educational Sciences.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Cai Qiyong, President of the Chongqing Academy of Educational Sciences. Attending the event were Mr. Zukile Mvalo, Deputy Director-General of the South African Department of Higher Education and Training; Ms. Wu Lan, Director of the Vocational and Adult Education Division of the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission; Ms. Mapule Ncanywa, Chair of the BRICS Business Council (South Africa Chapter) Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group and Director at the South African Department of Higher Education and Training; Dr. Liu Zhenying, Chair of the China Chapter of BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group; Mr. Dou Xiaoming, Second-Level Inspector at the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission; Professor Mpilo Ngubane, Chief Learning Officer of the Durban Municipality and Executive Director of the UNITAR Global Training Centre Network Durban; Dr. Dovhani Mamphiswana, CEO of Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre; Mr. Sanele Goodenough Makinane, Chief Operating Officer of the South African Science and Technology Centre and Strategic Project Manager of the BRICS Business Council (South Africa Chapter) Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group; Mr. Mxolisi Benson Magagula, Administrative Assistant and Project Manager of the same Working Group; along with South African guests and representatives from Chongqing’s vocational education sector.

At the meeting, the “China Chongqing–South Africa (Inter-city) Vocational Education Teaching and Research Center” was officially inaugurated, marking a new chapter in bilateral vocational education cooperation, which will be carried out in an all-round, multi-level, and wide-ranging manner to jointly promote high-quality development of vocational education in both countries.

President Cai Qiyong introduced that the purpose of this visit by the South African education delegation was to implement the China Chongqing–South Africa (Inter-city) International Cooperation and Exchange Strategic Agreement signed in April this year, which holds significant importance for advancing vocational education exchanges and cooperation between Chongqing and South Africa.

Ms. Mapule Ncanywa noted in her speech that this cooperation marks the first time a training base has been established under the China–South Africa inter-city initiative. She expressed hope that the base would effectively improve skill levels, cultivate more skilled professionals, and introduce China’s advanced skills into South Africa.

She also emphasized that South Africa’s experience and strengths in related fields can offer valuable insights and support to Chongqing, achieving mutual benefit and win–win results. To this end, Ms. Ncanywa extended a sincere invitation for Chongqing institutions to visit South Africa in August for further exchangesandcooperation discussions, contributing to deepening educational ties and enhancing skills training between the two countries.

Mr. Zukile Mvalo gave an in-depth presentation on vocational education in South Africa. He emphasized that South Africa is actively building broad cooperation across sectors and leveraging stable partnerships to promote post-secondary education and training, better meeting the needs of diverse populations.

He also highlighted South Africa’s notable achievements in skills competitions, which demonstrate the country's strengths and capabilities in cultivating highly skilled talents. Looking forward, South Africa will continue to deepen reforms in vocational education and strengthen international exchanges and cooperation to nurture more talents and boost socio-economic development.

Dr. Liu Zhenying, Chair of the China Chapter of BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology and Innovation Working Group, presented an overview of the work conducted by the BRICS Business Council, with a particular focus on China–South Africa vocational education cooperation projects and their outcomes. He also introduced the implementation plan and roadmap for the China–South Africa International Training Base for Future Technical Skills and Cultural Exchange (BRICS Workshop).

The working-level promotion meeting concluded successfully in a friendly and warm atmosphere. Both sides expressed their intention to take this opportunity to further strengthen cooperation, jointly promote the development of vocational education, and cultivate more technical and skilled talent for the world.