Two EC students study in China

KAROO NEWS - Two learners from the Sarah Baartman District have recently received a life-changing opportunity to study in China. This initiative is part of the long-standing cooperation agreement between Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) and Yuhang District (China).

Youth empowerment and education are amongst the focus areas of the agreement.

SBDM Mayor Deon de Vos says this agreement is a reflection of their shared commitment to the China-Africa Talent Cultivation Cooperation Programme as envisioned during the 15th Brics leadership meeting.

Subsequent to this agreement SBDM and Hangzhou Normal University agreed to explore possibilities for a scholarship programme for learners from Sarah Baartman District to study in China. After a series of meetings it was agreed to move forward and the recruitment process was managed by Rhodes University between March and May.

The two learners who will be participating in the scholarship programme are Siyabulela Loro from Jeffreys Bay in Kouga Municipality and Sivuyisiwe Mapela from Makhanda in Makana Municipality. They are enrolled to complete their Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Hangzhou Normal University, and will be majoring in International Digital Trade and International Business.

In August both learners received a comprehensive orientation on Chinese culture provided by Rhodes University.

The learners left South Africa on 25 August and were accompanied by a delegation from SBDM including De Vos, Municipal Manager Unati Daniels and Project Manager Albert Yu. The mayor and MM signed an official Service Level Agreement with Yuhang District and Hangzhou Normal University to mark the official commencement of the scholarship programme.

The tuition costs for the scholarship are covered by Hangzhou Normal University while the travel and living expenses are covered by the Sarah Baartman DM, under the a special vote for youth empowerment approved by Council as part of the 2024/25 budget.

Albert Yu, SBDM investment and trade senior manager; Nonkqubela Pieters, MEC for economic development; Sivuyisiwe Mapela, scholarship student; Tumi, a student from Jhb; Mayor Deon de Vos; EC Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane; Siyabulela Loro, scholarship student; Zintle Hlobo, chief director of youth empowerment in the office of the premier and Unati Daniels, SBDM MM.