Life Changing Experience for Two Learners from Sarah Baartman District

Two learners from the Sarah Baartman District have received a once in a lifetime opportunity to study in China. This initiative is part of the long-standing cooperation agreement between Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) and Yuhang District (China). Youth empowerment and education are amongst the focus areas of the cooperation agreement between the two municipalities. 

Executive Mayor of SBDM, Cllr Deon de Vos, stated that “this agreement is a reflection of our shared commitment to the China-Africa Talent Cultivation Cooperation Programme as envisioned during the 15^th BRICS leadership meeting.”

Subsequent to this agreement SBDM and Hangzhou Normal University (in Yuhang District) agreed to explore possibilities for a scholarship program for learners from Sarah Baartman District to study in China. After a series of meetings it was agreed to move forward with the scholarship program, which would commence 01 September 2024. 

The recruitment process started in March 2024 and completed in May 2024, the entire recruitment process was managed by Rhodes University to ensure that the most suitable candidates were identified. 

The two learners who will be participating in the scholarship program are Mr Siyabulela Loro from Jeffreys Bay in Kouga Municipality and Ms Sivuyisiwe Mapela from Makhanda in  Makana Municipality. They are enrolled to complete their Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Hangzhou Normal University, and will be majoring in International Digital Trade and International Business.

Both learners received a comprehensive orientation on Chinese culture before departing, the orientation was provided by Rhodes University at the beginning of August 2024. 

The learners departed from South Africa on 25 August 2024 and were accompanied by a delegation from SBDM including the Executive Mayor, Cllr Deon de Vos, Municipal Manager, Ms Unati Daniels and Project Manager, Mr Albert Yu. SBDM Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager signed an official Service Level Agreement with Yuhang District and Hangzhou Normal University on 28 August 2024, to mark the official commencement of the scholarship program.

The Premier of the Eastern Cape, Hon. Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, and his delegation joined the delegation from SBDM during the signing ceremony, as the partnership between SBDM and Yuhang District forms part of the broader cooperation between the Eastern Cape Province and Zhejiang Province, China.

During the signing ceremony SBDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Deon de Vos, said that “this partnership underscores our dedication to creating opportunities for young people in our District. Our vision for this partnership extends beyond academics, we aim to equip our youth not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills. Our goal is for these learners to return to South Africa with critical skills that are currently in short supply in our country.”

The tuition costs for the scholarship are covered by Hangzhou Normal University while the travel and living expenses will be covered by the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, under the a special vote for Youth Empowerment which was approved by Council in May 2024 as part of the 2024/25 budget.

The learners have the full support of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality as they beginning this new exciting chapter of their lives and fly our flag high.