From South Africa to China: Wits students embark on a journey of discovery
- Wits University
Wits students gain global perspectives on innovation, leadership, and sustainability during an educational tour to China.
A delegation of 10 students, accompanied by university staff, embarked on an 11-day educational tour as part of programme led by Student Affairs aimed at nurturing future leaders.
Global Exposure
The journey commenced with an official send-off on 26 November 2024, at the Student Entrepreneurship Hub, graced by Mr Pan Qingjiang, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Johannesburg. This engagement underscored the strong ties between China and South Africa and highlighted the consulate’s support for this student development initiative. Members of the Senior Executive Team at the university, including the Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Jerome September, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Prof. Lynn Morris, attended the event and emphasised the importance of thinking globally, embracing innovation, and stepping into leadership roles.
A Journey of Discovery
Coined as A Journey of Discovery, the tour focused on key themes including social and technological innovation, the green economy, smart cities, student life, global change and sustainability, BRICS and international partnerships, cultural revitalisation, and cross-cultural communication. These themes were intentionally broad to accommodate the diverse academic backgrounds of the student delegation, which included students from various faculties.
Exploring Innovation and Leadership in China
The delegation travelled to major Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing; and the rural Yaoli Village, engaging in a diverse range of learning experiences with Chinese peers. Each area offered a unique perspective on China’s rapid development, cutting-edge innovations and rich cultural heritage. As part of exploring the student life in China, students visited top universities such as Tsinghua University, Tongji University, Fudan University’s BRICS Centre, and Peking University’s Centre for African Studies, among others, for insights into China’s higher education landscape and its global partnerships.
Exploring beyond academia, the delegation visited heritage sites like the Great Wall of China, the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum, and the Forbidden City. They also explored business and technology hubs, including the New Development Bank (NDB), which provided insights into South Africa’s role in financing sustainable infrastructure projects; and the headquarters of Alibaba and Huawei, where they engaged in discussions on interdisciplinary leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. They also met with Ms. Phuti Joyce Tsipa, South Africa’s Consul General in Shanghai, to discuss the China-South Africa relations, focusing on geopolitical and trade dynamics shaping bilateral cooperation.
Student Reflections: A Transformative Experience
Kgothatso Madibana, a masters student focusing on inclusive education, says: "The visit highlighted the critical role of innovation in driving societal development” and made him reflect on the need for increased investment in innovation in South Africa.
Quantity surveying student Tshepo Matloga was impressed by Shangai. Matloga, who pursuing an honours degree, lauded the people-centric city adding that “it is a smart city that was designed in a way that focuses on people’s needs and wellbeing in almost all aspects from the landscape, architecture, (public) transport networks to economic hubs, and technology.”
Strengthening Global Citizenship
This educational tour exemplifies Wits University’s commitment to developing socially responsive and globally aware leaders.
“By immersing students in diverse cultural, academic, and professional environments, such student development initiatives not only broaden students' perspectives but also reinforce their roles as future leaders in shaping South Africa’s development,” says Tshegofaso Mogaladi, project champion and Deputy Dean of Student Affairs.
Throughout the 2025 academic year, the delegation will engage in various projects, including seminar presentations, where they will share their experiences.