Consul General Pan Qingjiang, on a courtesy call, where he had the opportunity to test various farming equipment and tour the livestock pens.

 

A momentous occasion unfolded at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) yesterday,16 January 2025, when the Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube welcomed a high-profile delegation from the People's Republic of China. The delegation, led by the esteemed Consul General Pan Qingjiang, and accompanied by Ms. Zoey Zhang, Consul Attaché, and Mr. Belem Zhang, Personal Assistant to the Consul General, made a courtesy call to explore new collaborative opportunities, marking a significant step in international relations.

 Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube emphasised the university's commitment to partnering with Chinese institutions, including participating in the League of Tropical Universities and collaborating with Zhejiang Normal University (ZNU). She highlighted achievements such as joint research funding, publications, and impactful projects, including a remote sensing study conducted under the China-Africa Science and Technology Cooperation Framework. "Through these partnerships, we aim to leverage global networks to develop innovative solutions for local and global challenges," she stated.

At the livestock pen, CUT Farm Manager Mr Jan Jacobsz warmly welcomed Consul General Pan Qingjiang, Mr. Belem ZHANG, Personal Assistant to the Consul General, Prof. David Ngidi, DVC: Teaching and Learning, and Prof. Pieter Fourie, Head of Department. He then proceeded to showcase the different types of sheep, providing the Consul General and his delegation with firsthand experience of our agricultural initiatives.

The Consul General praised the university management’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. " As a consulate, one of our important roles is to engage with academia and promote exchanges and cooperation, and I am excited to see your advanced level of partnerships with our Chinese counterparts. I want to serve as a bridge between your university and China, and I believe that we can do more to support exchanges, scholarships, and programmes for both your staff and students.”

The delegates visited several CUT centres of excellence, including the university’s farm.

At the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM), a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation in 3D printing technology, Dr Gerrie Booysen- Director, demonstrated to Dr Choice Makhetha, Executive Director in the office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and Consul General Pan Qingjiang.

Uploaded: 17 January 2025