On February 26, 2026, marking the tenth day of the Chinese New Year, the International Office Plaza at the University of Cape Town (UCT) was transformed into a sea of red and gold. The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Town (CIUCT) held the Chinese New Year Reception and the Launch Ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, marking a significant milestone in South Africa-China cultural relations.

The ceremony opened with a retrospective video presented by Vice Professor Pengpeng Feng, Chinese Director of CIUCT, showcasing the Institute's decade-long journey in language education and cultural engagement.

In his address, Prof. Thokozani Majozi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UCT, commended the Confucius Institute's role in fostering multicultural dialogue and strengthening academic and cultural cooperation.

Mr. Ren Faqiang, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Cape Town, pointed out that CIUCT has become an important platform for South African youth to learn Chinese and experience Chinese culture. He hoped that the Confucius Institute would take the opportunity of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to organize more cultural events and further promote China-South Africa friendship.

Professor Danie Visser, Director of the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO), also expressed confidence in expanding collaborative initiatives in the coming year.

The event featured a lineup of engaging cultural performances by the Institute's faculty and students. From the rhythmic energy of the traditional lion dance to the artistic elegance of folk songs and the dramatic flair of Sichuan Opera face-changing performance, the shows offered the audience an immersive cultural experience. 

Interspersed with talent shows and the presentation of awards for the iCreate Art Competition, the event culminated in a warm communal chorus of "Auld Lang Syne," bringing guests together in a spirit of unity and goodwill.

More than a joyous celebration of the Chinese New Year, the event officially kicked off a year of vibrant China-Africa cultural exchange. It lays a solid foundation for deeper people-to-people bonds, paving the way for a new chapter of mutual understanding and friendship in 2026 and beyond.

Source: The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Town (CIUCT), Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Cape Town