South Africa: Strengthening Global Alignment in Higher Education

The Department of Higher Education and Training is preparing to host a sector-wide workshop on international relations aimed at enhancing coherence and strategic alignment across South Africa’s higher education and training landscape.

This was announced by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, during the third Virtual National Conference of the South African Students in China Association (SASCA) held on 31 January.

In her keynote address, Dr. Dube-Ncube described the conference as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, research, and deeper engagement on South Africa–China relations. She noted that the discussions are significant not only at the governmental level but also through the lived experiences of students — the tangible outcomes of this developmental partnership.

The Deputy Minister observed that the gathering comes at a pivotal moment, as policymakers reconsider the role of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system in tackling national priorities such as inclusive growth, skills development, and innovation within an increasingly competitive global context.

Reflecting on the evolution of South Africa–China relations, Dr. Dube-Ncube emphasised that the partnership extends beyond economic cooperation, rooted instead in shared historical experiences, political interests, and strategic objectives developed over decades.

She underscored that cooperation between South Africa and China in higher education and training—particularly under the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM)—is both timely and strategic. This partnership focuses on translating policy commitments into actionable, measurable results, with a key emphasis on expanding international scholarships and short-term training programmes.

“These initiatives equip South African students and professionals with global exposure and advanced skills aligned with national development needs,” she said. “They also build a generation of globally competent graduates ready to drive economic growth and public service upon their return.”

Dr. Dube-Ncube highlighted the growing importance of internationalisation in higher education, noting that collaboration with global institutions enhances innovation, competitiveness, and research capacity. Partnerships enable joint research projects, co-supervised postgraduate education, and knowledge exchange, particularly beneficial for developing nations.

Referring to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2024 State Visit to Beijing, she reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, embedded within the country’s foreign policy outlook. She explained that the department’s sector-wide engagement on international relations will inform the finalisation of its International Relations Strategy—a framework to ensure South Africa’s educational and research engagements abroad are coordinated, impactful, and aligned with national priorities.

“This strategy will guide international cooperation in higher education and training, aligning global partnerships with South Africa’s skills needs, research goals, and overall development agenda,” she explained.

While stressing the importance of international partnership, Dr. Dube-Ncube cautioned that such collaborations must be underpinned by shared benefit, strategic focus, and a long-term vision for capacity building.

She further noted that South Africa’s educational collaboration with China continues to grow, contributing significantly to skills development alongside similar partnerships with other global regions. Through trade, investment, innovation, and technological cooperation, China has become a key strategic ally—both bilaterally and on multilateral platforms such as the UN, G20, and BRICS.

Dr. Dube-Ncube also highlighted China’s expanding leadership role within BRICS, particularly in promoting collective growth, South-South cooperation, and a more inclusive, multipolar world order.

Closing her address, she described SASCA as more than just a student body, but as a bridge of unity, knowledge, and cultural exchange that empowers South African students to thrive abroad while fostering lasting ties with China.

She encouraged students to embrace challenges with enthusiasm and purpose: “Let us carry the spirit of South Africa wherever we go, inspiring others through our actions, our culture, and our commitment to excellence.”