The Chinese Culture Centre was established in 2011, offering Saturday Chinese language and culture classes for local children. CCIEEC became the South African admissions office for Jinan University and organised the first roots-seeking Camp in China. As the Saturday school expanded, Chinese teachers arrived to assist. CCIEEC partnered with the Gauteng Department of Education to introduce Chinese language in public schools and co-founded the Confucius Classroom with Jiangsu's Education Department in 2014. Hanban teachers began teaching in various schools, and Chinese classes were also introduced for South African government officials.
Confucius Classroom Officially Opens: A Cultural Milestone
2015The CCIEEC and Jiangsu Provincial Educational Department officially launched the affiliated Confucious Classroom on 15th April 2015.
Chinese Language Classes Begin for Children of Expats in South Africa
2016Chinese classes commence for the South African Chinese Enterprises and Trade Association of South Africa, teaching the children of Chinese expats.
TVET and University Students Launch China-Based Learning Journey Through merSETA
2017First group of 120 TVET College and University students travel to China to participate in a 1 year study and internship programme in collaboration with MERSETA.
SA and Chinese Officials Unite to Create National Language Day
2019CCIEEC, together with the South African Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, and the South African Chinese Embassy, establishes the annual South African Chinese Language Day to take place on 17th September.
60 Students Begin Virtual Studies with China Through ETDPSETA Initiative
2021The ETDP SETA Bachelors degree programme commences for 60 students unable to travel to China due to COVID restrictions and start online classes with Chinese Colleges.
Online E-commerce training for TVET College lecturers.
Cross-Cultural Learning Begins with Virtual Mandarin for Young Learners
2022Chinese language classes for local Chinese children take place online.
Commencement of online e-commerce social media platform training for South African Youths in partnership with Chinese E-Commerce companies.
42 Students arrive in China for their final year
2023Students under the ETDP SETA Bachelors Degree Programme commence their final year of study in China after COVID travel restrictions are lifted.
The Year of Skills, Innovation, and Global Collaboration
2024This year marked major strides in education and empowerment through strategic partnerships with South African SETA's:
ETDP SETA Partnership:
42 students returned from China with Bachelor’s Degrees.
EWSETA Partnership:
49 TVET students and lecturers commenced training in renewable energy technologies.
W&RSETA Partnership:
81 student embarked on Entrepreneurship in Online E-Commerce training
LGSETA Sister City Collaboration Programme:
A bold pilot programme was launched with 182 participants across three focus streams: Municipal Officials, SMMEs, and Unemployed Graduates.
Expanding Impact
2025This year, we continue to build on strong foundations, with a focus on deepening our impact and exploring new avenues for collaboration and growth.
LGSETA
Continuation of the Sister City Programme, focusing exclusively on SMMEs in 2025 to support entrepreneurship and trade.
LGSETA-INSETA
Launch of the International Scholarship Programme for 500 students to pursue various diploma and degree qualifications in China.
W&RSETA
Continuation of the e-commerce and entrepreneurship training for 50 new students, building on the 2024 programme.
TETA
Introduction of a new programme for 100 learners focused on automotive and electric vehicle skills training.
EWSETA
Continuation of the renewable energy skills programme with 20 new students, including training in solar, battery, and inverter technologies.
ETDP SETA
Placement of 40 students in STEM-related degree programmes in China, supporting careers in mathematics, science and technology.