The year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Bridge competition, the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 10th anniversary of the inclusion of Chinese in South Africa’s national education system.
Recently, CHN Energy Longyuan Power South Africa Branch, in partnership with the Confucius Institute at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), hosted the South Africa final of the 25th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students and the “Longyuan Cup · Chinese Bridge” Chinese Language Competition for South African University Students. The event provided a platform for South African youth to showcase their Chinese-language skills and experience Chinese culture, while promoting exchanges and mutual learning between young people from China and South Africa.
Contestants in the South Africa final of the 25th Longyuan Cup Chinese Bridge Competition
More than 500 contestants, teachers, parents and guests from seven universities hosting Confucius Institutes across South Africa participated in the event, setting new records for both the number of participating institutions and the number of participants.
Centered on the theme “One World, One Family”, the competition consisted of three segments: a written Chinese test, a themed speech and a Chinese cultural talent showcase, along with an on-site question-and-answer session conducted by the judges. Contestants were evaluated comprehensively on their language proficiency and understanding of Chinese culture. Following intense competition, the event awarded one first prize, two second prizes, three third prizes and sixteen encouragement awards.
Over the years, CHN Energy has actively advanced the Belt and Road Initiative and the principles of green development. Through its clean energy projects, the company has brought technology, expertise and development opportunities to Africa. The De Aar Wind Power Project, which it has invested in, built and operates, has not only supported South Africa’s energy transition and the optimization of its energy mix, but has also generated broad benefits in employment creation, local talent development and community improvement, making it a landmark achievement in China-Africa cooperation.
At the same time, the Group has actively fulfilled the social responsibilities of Chinese enterprises overseas by sponsoring the Chinese Bridge competition for many consecutive years. Leveraging the competition platform, it has helped promote Chinese-language education, spread the rich heritage of traditional Chinese culture, and contributed to building a high-level China–South Africa and China–Africa community with a shared future.
