Students from Stellenbosch University (SU) and learners from schools supported by the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU) delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 South African national finals of the prestigious Chinese Bridge Chinese language competitions. 

Representing the CISU, participants competed against top contestants from universities, schools and Confucius Institutes across South Africa, earning a total of one first prize. One second prize, two third prizes and four merit awards. The results positioned CISU among the country’s top-performing Confucius Institutes in terms of both participation and achievement.

The “Chinese Bridge” competition is one of the world’s largest international Chinese language competitions. It allows learners and students to showcase their Chinese language skills, cultural knowledge and performance abilities. The first-place winners of the national competitions are flown to attend the global finals in China and will receive scholarships to study in China.

Strong Showing in University Division

The university division, the 25th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students South Africa Final, was held at the University of the Western Cape on 14 May. Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and organised by the Confucius Institute for Chinsese Medicine at the University of the Western Cape, the event brought together 21 contestants from universities and Confucius Institutes across the country. 

Participants were assessed on their Chinese language proficiency, knowledge of China and cultural performances.

Among the SU students competing, Taaraa Lakay, a BA Humanities student majoring in Chinese secured third prize. Stephen Joel Handley and Mbali Iviwe Hlope, both BCom Management Sciences students, received merit awards.

School Learners Excel in Durban Finals

The secondary school and primary school divisions were held in Durban on 12 June. These included the 19th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students South Africa Final and the 6th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students South Africa Final. The event was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and organised by the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology.

In the secondary school division, Kaylynn Ann Slabber, representing CISU, won third prize. Jordyn Jodeequin Titus from Worcester Gymnasium and Stefan Prins from Stellenbosch High received merit awards.

CISU learners also performed strongly in the primary school division. Sazi Pearl Gama from Worcester Primary School won first prize after delivering an outstanding overall performance. Bliss Ropafadzo Manjengwa from False Bay Primary School won second prize. Both primary school learners impressed the judges with their confidence, Chinese language ability, and cultural performances.

Recognition for Online Participation

This year, the organisers also introduced an online category to broaden participation in the competition. Three Best Performance Awards were presented in both the primary and secondary school categories, with two learners from CISU teaching sites receiving recognition. The strong results followed several months of intensive preparation. Due to high interest in the competition, CISU first held an internal selection process to choose contestants for the national finals. CISU teachers then supported the selected participants with speech preparation, language training, stage presentation, and Chinese cultural performance coaching.

Through the competition and its broader teaching activities, CISU continues to support Chinese language learning among SU students and school learners in the Western Cape, while strengthening cultural exchange between South Africa and China.