Grahamstown, 26 April 2010

Respected Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Peter Clayton,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today with great pleasure, I am here to attend the 9th Chinese Bridge Contest Preliminary Round in South Africa. First, I would like to express my appreciation to Rhodes University for their hospitality, their hosting and organizing this event, which gives us an opportunity to get together in this Great Hall of the People of students.

Before I came here, I tried to learn more about Rhodes University and the University has its motto saying that, “Where Leaders Learn”. This reminds me of Confucius teaching, which goes like this,“He who excels in learning becomes official”. It looks a little bit different, but I think the idea is the same, just from different approaches. One is talking from the angle of action to learn, to lead; the other is talking from the angle of position of excellence in learning for officialdom Thuogh different are the approaches, the goal is the same to encourage people to learn. That is the essence. It has some differences but shares great similarity. I also noticed the practice of Rhodes University, which states the practice of the partnership among students, faculties, professors and staff. There is also a similar saying about this in Confucius’education philosophy, “教学相长”- Teaching and learning develop hands in hands. “教”means teaching, “学”means learning, “相” mutually and “长" develop. This shows a theory of harmony, the harmony between teaches and students. I am citing these similarities in a way to express gratitude to Rhodes University as a host in this event and my admiration to education.

Why we are here doing this Chinese Language Contest. The background is that Chinese people have 5000 years civilization, which is the heirloom of the Chinese people and more importantly it is the heritage of the mankind or humanrace. A couple of weeks ago, I learnt there is a theory that the humanrace starts from Africa or Southern Africa. Peking Men moved from Africa to Beijing of China. Though it is a theory, it shows that as a humanrace no matter what people you are, or whate color you are, we all developed from one race - that is the humanrace. As the Chinese people is a part of it, the Chinese culture is part of it and all different peoples are parts of it. The Chinese people now would like to present its history, its civilization, its culture to the whole world, so that all the peoples from different countries on the globe can enjoy and share them.

How to enjoy and appreciate them through the language? Naturally, language is but a tool. If you know the language, you will know how to appreciate it. You can tell the beauty, nuance and difference of the culture, of the people, and more importantly to communicate with people thus to enhance understanding and strengthen friendship. The language will be your tool or an instrument to find more opportunities - cultural and educational exchanges and for business as well.

China and South Africa have developed rapidly and broadly in the past 12 years to a strategic partnership ties. This year will see more and more developments on our bilateral relations. Early this month China's Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(CCPCC) Mr. Jia Qinglin visited South Africa and President Zuma will be visiting China later this year, and also attending World Expo in Shanghai. All this will lay a solid foundation of all-around development between China and South Africa. It will open more opportunities in the future for you - the young people, the students. No matter you have studied the Chinese language for a year, for a few months, you are just starting or catching the trend. You will have a bright future in all respects.

Here I would like to thank Hanban and all the Confucius institutes in South Africa, now we have four Confucius Institutes and one Confucius Classroom in South Africa, for their efforts to help South African people or South African students study the Chinese language. Speaking of Confucius, I want you to recognize Ms. Kong Wei, the 76th generation of Confucius here. That may bring you closer with Confucius. Ms. Kong Wei, please stand up (applauses). More importantly or less importantly, she is my wife(Applauses and laughs). Confucius is a great philosopher and educator in China. Certainly as institutions of high learnings, you have attached great importance to education. I would like to commend you for you efforts in this respect.

Now I would like to extend my best wishes to all the contestants and participants in this contest. It is only a preliminary round of contests. In China we have a saying “Friendship first, competition second". When you are doing the competition, it is only for the day. But for friendship, it will last for ever. I would say competition is only temporary, but friendship will last. Today after this competition the day will be gone , while our friendship will go beyond. If you succeed in the competition, you may go to China, go to Hunan Province to have the final round contest. Now, where is Hunan Province? I would like to recognize Ms. Li Yan who is from Hunan Province. Ms. Li Yan please stand up (Applauses). She is a Vice Consul of Chinese Consulate in Cape Town. If any of you are lucky or successful to go to the final round, go to Hunan Province, you can consult her for where to see, what to do, so on and so forth. I wish you every success. When the competition ends, it ends today. However, learning will never end. This is only the starting point for us to learn, even for me. I am here to learn. I learn from you about Rhodes University.I learn from you about South Africa and South African people, particularly through this event.

I would like to, in advance, congratulate all the contestants for their participation in this contest and give my best wishes for their success. No failure, all success. You may feel nervous when you are here on the rostrum, but your teacher will be equally nervous, if not more. Speaking of that, I hope I will help you alleviate your nervousness.

In conclusion,

Today we are gathering at Rhodes University in Grahamstown,

For Chinese Bridge Contest following Hanban's guideline.

Eloquence and movements you will combine,

Your talents in language and performance will shine.

In celebration of the success of this preliminary round in South Africa,

We will wine and dine!

Thank you.