The South African government on Monday dispatched 53 students to China, the largest group ever sent by the African country.
The students have been granted scholarships by the Chinese government to study in China in various fields, South African Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Mduduzi Manana said.
Addressing the students at a farewell ceremony in Pretoria, Manana said,"It is my pleasure today to bid farewell to the largest group to be sent to China by the DHET to date."
"From over 180 applications that we received, we interviewed about 150 students, and today we are sending 54 competent students," the official added.
Most of the students are leaving home for the first time, according to Manana.
"To the students, there is nothing quite like being on your own in a foreign country. This experience might really bring out your independent nature and teach you to be self-reliant.
"Moreover, you will experience different styles of education and have access to expertise that is not always available in South Africa," said Manana.
He also stated that South Africa and China are reaping the benefits of their strategic partnership.
The relationship between the two countries is also helping Africa and the world, said Manana.
"The Chinese and South African governments are actively striving to realise the wide ranging strategic partnership envisaged in 2010 through the signing of the Beijing Declaration that established our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
"The pace of trade and investment between our countries has been increasing over the years. And coupled with a closer international cooperation through the G-20 and BRICS grouping, South Africa-China ties are assuming a significant position in continental and global affairs," Manana said.
Busiswa Nongogo, Deputy Director for Media Liaison and Communication at DHET, told Xinhua that the students will pursue their studies in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, economics and the Chinese language, among others.
Nongogo said they expect the students to make a meaningful contribution to the country after their graduation.
South Africa has sent students to China over the past few years. There are over 1,000 South African students currently studying in China. Some are on government-to-government scholarships while others are self paying, recruited by Chinese institutions, or through institution-to-institution collaborations.
