Stellenbosch University International (SUI) is proud to announce that Mikaela Keen, a Chinese-language teacher at the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU), has earned second place in the Africa Semi-Final of the 2nd Chinese Teaching Heroes International Chinese-Language Teaching Skills Competition. The regional round took place on 26 November 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. As one of Africa’s top three entrants, Ms Keen will represent the region in Beijing from 11 December 2025, where she will take part in an international showcase and a professional development programme for emerging Chinese-language educators.

The competition, organised by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) in partnership with Zhejiang Normal University and the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, drew 67 participants from 11 African countries, including Tanzania, Mozambique, Cameroon, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe. Twenty educators advanced to the semi-final under the theme “Empowering Teaching, Wisdom Leading.” Leading the Africa semi-final was Andriamanorotsiory Chrisante from Madagascar, with Ms Keen earning second place.

Representing CISU’s teaching site at St Paul’s Primary, Ms Keen progressed to the semi-final after her classroom demonstration video ranked second among all African submissions. During the live round, she delivered an engaging lesson titled “What My Family Likes to Do,” drawing praise for her clear communication, culturally informed teaching methods and thoughtful interaction with the judging panel. In an interview with the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), she reflected on the continent’s growing interest in Mandarin, noting that “Mandarin is a key that can open scholarships and future career pathways in China.”

Her achievements speak to SU’s broader commitment to multilingualism, global citizenship and academic collaboration — particularly through the work of CISU, which plays a central role in expanding Mandarin learning opportunities for South African students and strengthening educational partnerships with institutions in China.

Professor Zheng Ruojuan, Chinese Co-Director of CISU, highlighted that Ms Keen’s accomplishment “demonstrates the creativity and growing expertise of South Africa’s emerging Chinese-language educators” and reinforces CISU’s mission to enhance Mandarin teaching across the country.

SUI and the Confucius Institute congratulate Ms Keen on her achievement and extend their best wishes as she prepares to represent both the CISU and the African region on the global stage in Beijing.