On February 25, 2026, the pre‑departure training meeting for the South African Government‑Sponsored Full Scholarship Program for Studies in China took place in Pretoria. Representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa, as well as all students selected for the program, attended the meeting. President Hu Hao and Vice President Jian Haoran of Yellow River Conservancy Technical University (YRCTU) attended the meeting online upon invitation. Heads of the Liaison and Cooperation Department and the School of International Education also participated.

Hu Hao expressed sincere gratitude to the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa. He extended a warm welcome to the South African students who would soon study in China. He also introduced YRCTU’s development history and its achievements in international education. He stated that YRCTU had established an international teaching and management team, developed a talent cultivation plan tailored to South Africa’s industrial needs, and made comprehensive preparations in areas such as living support. He also gave pre‑departure advice to the South African students. First, they should prepare well for their stay in China and pay attention to travel safety. Second, they should maintain a positive attitude and adapt to the new environment as soon as possible. Third, they should cherish the opportunity, achieve academic success in China, and become ambassadors of friendship between China and South Africa.

Subsequently, Wei Zongchao, Dean of the School of International Education, provided a detailed explanation of the program implementation. Ji Yao, Director of the Liaison and Cooperation Department, answered students’ questions one by one on issues such as course arrangements and campus services.

In 2025, through a joint selection process by the education authorities of China and South Africa, YRCTU was designated as the host institution for this program. YRCTU will train urgently needed technical and skilled professionals in the new energy sector for South Africa, and contribute to deepening educational exchanges between China and South Africa and advancing international cooperation in vocational education.