12 Limpopo students to China on full bursaries
A group of 12 students from Limpopo begin fully funded studies in China under a youth development bursary initiative.
LIMPOPO – Much like parents bidding farewell to children leaving home, Provincial Government director-general Nape Nchabeleng last Wednesday bid farewell to 12 students departing for the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) Chinese Bursary Programme.
Fully funded bursary programme explained
The programme is a youth development initiative offering fully funded undergraduate studies in China, targeting unemployed post-matric youths from Limpopo.
The programme covers full tuition, accommodation, meals, a stipend, international return flights, pre-departure Mandarin training, as well as ongoing academic and psychosocial support.
Fields of study and university placements
In total, 40 bursaries are available for students to pursue four-year bachelor’s degrees at selected Chinese universities.
Fields of study include engineering in data science and big data technology at Sanda University, a science in mathematics and applied mathematics at Mianyang Normal University, and an engineering in new energy power generation engineering technology at the Nanjing Vocational University of Industry Technology.
Call to represent Limpopo and South Africa
Nchabeleng encouraged students to prepare mentally and emotionally for life abroad, and to adapt to China’s culture, values and geographical environment.
He urged them to strive for academic excellence and to serve as ambassadors for Limpopo and South Africa.
“You are the first cohort going to China. You will not be representing yourselves, but the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. Your conduct will reflect on the country. Remember, you are not inferior to the people of China, and they are not inferior to you. We all belong to one race: the human race,” he said.
Selection process and additional slots
Recruitment and shortlisting were finalised in October last year.
Limpopo initially submitted five learner nominations, but received seven additional slots due to non-response from other provinces, bringing the total to 12.
The final submission was made in November.
Training and departure preparations
The learners completed two weeks of HSK 1 Mandarin training at the University of Venda in February and joined other beneficiaries for a pre-departure orientation and send-off ceremony in Johannesburg last Tuesday ahead of their departure to China.
