The Role of Culture and Education in South Africa–China Relations

Abstract

This chapter identifies and examines the synergy between culture and education in South Africa–China relations as key foreign policy strategy to achieve both African Union’s Agenda 2063 and China-led Belt Road Initiative. Particularly assessed is China’s education and training aid to Africa, and South Africa in particular. To explore if there are any instruments, modalities or collaborative mechanisms that are particular to China, which can be facilitated within the parameters of the Pan-African agenda. The chapter argues that China does not apply a blanket approach in promoting its cultural diplomacy and education and training exchanges programme, it prioritises strategic countries where it has vested interests. In the entire world, China has more than hundred Confucius Institutes (the only country with the largest number of Confucius Institutes) in the United States demonstrating its importance in Beijing’s foreign policy. Similarly, South Africa is China’s number one trading partner, it is also the only country in Africa with the largest number of Confucius Institutes. It has as of 2019, six Confucius Institutes out of over 50 allocated to the entire African continent. The chapter concludes that contrary to the view that China is spreading its culture and foreign exchanges programmes across the world and Africa in particular, it has a well-designed model of cooperation and developmental assistance in the promotion of its cultural diplomacy.