The DBE hosted a high-level delegation from the Central China Normal University (CCNU) at its Pretoria offices on 3 June 2026. The visit marked another important milestone in strengthening basic education cooperation between South Africa and China. The engagement brought together education leaders to explore innovative approaches to teacher development, school leadership, STEM education, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning. Building on existing agreements between the two countries, the engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to improving educational outcomes and preparing learners and educators for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world. The engagement is guided by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of Basic Education between South Africa and China. It aims to strengthen collaboration and deepen existing partnerships between the two countries.
Discussions focused on key areas of cooperation, including the training and professional development of school principals and teachers; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education; Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning; and institutional partnerships that support educational development and knowledge exchange.
Professor Xia Lixin highlighted the success of the teacher training programme facilitated by the CCNU, noting that it has significantly enhanced the digital education competencies and teaching capacity of South African teachers. He described the programme as an excellent example of practical educational cooperation between China and Africa, which has received wide recognition for its positive outcomes. The programme provides South African teachers with valuable opportunities for experiential learning and engagement with university-based teaching and research practices. It also promotes the learning of the Chinese language and encourages cultural exchange, fostering greater understanding and collaboration between the two nations.
During the engagement, Dr Aaron Nkosi, Acting Chief Director: National institute and Curriculum and Professional Development (NICPD), outlined South Africa’s teacher development system, emphasising the importance of Continuous Professional Teacher Development (CPTD), mentoring, professional learning opportunities, and collaboration with universities and teacher unions to strengthen the teaching profession.
The visit concluded with an agreement to train a delegation of 30 South African teachers and principals, identified by the DBE, through a 10-day programme hosted by the CCNU. Scheduled for September and October, the programme will focus on AI in education, cultural exchange, and practical case studies, with a particular emphasis on primary school education. Ms Erica Furumele, Principal of Bonwelong Primary School in Tembisa, will join the delegation traveling to China, at the invitation of the Ambassador of the Republic of China to South Africa.
The initiative is expected to strengthen professional capacity, promote innovation in teaching and learning, and further enhance educational cooperation between South Africa and China.