The 2026 Joint Conference of Confucius Institutes in South Africa was successfully held at the University of Johannesburg on June 9. The event, organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Johannesburg, was hosted by the Chinese International Education Foundation.

Chinese and South African directors from eight Confucius Institutes in South Africa gathered for in-depth discussions on topics including: AI-empowered Chinese language education and people-to-people exchanges in South Africa, development of localized teaching staff, and 'ChinesePlus' featured courses.

Participants also explored ways to strengthen the brand building and sustainable development of Confucius Institutes in South Africa, with the aim of further promoting China-Africa people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

More than 100 participants attended the event, including representatives from Confucius Institutes, the Chinese International Education Foundation, Chinese diplomatic missions in South Africa, and students from local universities. 

In his remarks, Chinese International Education Foundation Chairman Yang Wei said the Joint Conference of Confucius Institutes in South Africa is a vivid example of implementing the Global Civilization Initiative and jointly building a China-Africa community with a shared future. 

Yang said that since 2004, 11 Confucius Institutes and independent Confucius Classrooms have been established in South Africa, serving more than 100,000 learners and organized various exchange activities for over one million people. 

As part of marking the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges," Yang added that this was becoming an important window for South Africans to understand China and a reliable bridge for people-to-people exchanges between China and South Africa.

Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, said in his speech that in today's increasingly interconnected world, universities are not only responsible for cultivating talent, but also shoulder the responsibility of building bridges for exchanges across cultures, societies and national borders. 

He said the Confucius Institute has played an important role in this mission by promoting Chinese language education and enhancing cultural understanding, providing a platform for deeper exchanges and interaction between South Africa and China.

At the closing ceremony, Yang Wei and Victoria Graham, Senior Executive Director of Strategy and Administration at the University of Johannesburg, jointly unveiled the "ChinesePlus Bookshelf."

This marked the first launch of the ChinesePlus Bookshelf in South Africa, providing a new platform for teachers and students at the University of Johannesburg to learn Chinese and gain a deeper understanding of China.

Students from the University of Johannesburg also presented Chinese traditional dances and Chinese songs, and gave an on-site demonstration of Chinese traditional dance, showcasing their enthusiasm for Chinese culture.