Johannesburg – The Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang, has awarded several pupils and students from Free State and Gauteng provinces for excelling in the 2025 Driving Education Culture short video competition.
This year, the annual competition invited learners from primary and secondary schools in Free State and Gauteng to research and record videos comparing any city in China to one in South Africa.
Alternatively, students and pupils could focus on tourism and cultural comparisons between China and South Africa, delving into the people-to-people relations.
The competition was limited to schoolchildren from Free State and Gauteng, which are served by the Consulate General of China in Johannesburg.
At the glamorous awards ceremony on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, held at the Consulate General of China, Consul General Pan revealed that around 200 learners had submitted videos in the competition.
The top 50 learners were invited and attended the event, where the top three winners were revealed.
The top two groups were also announced.
“I am so happy and grateful that today’s event has a blessing of such a warm and active participation of friends from both Gauteng and Free State, especially learners and representatives from Free State who took a long travel here,” said Pan.
“In May, the Consulate launched the short video competition under the project of Driving Education Culture, with the theme of The China–South Africa Learner Correspondent.”
The Chinese diplomat said he hopes the short video competition will help to foster a deeper understanding of China and South Africa’s histories and cultures, and to promote the friendship between the two countries.
“It is so encouraging and moving to note that the competition has had a good harvest,” said Pan.
“About 140 entries by both individuals and groups involving nearly 200 learners from over 80 schools in the two provinces have been received.
” I have attentively watched your wonderful works.”
Pan said each entry shines with colorful form, deep thinking, great enthusiasm, and creativity, presenting vividly both the unique beauty and charm of a variety of cities from two countries.
The shared commonalities through broad perspectives include landmarks, nature, culture, cuisine, folkways, people’s daily life, and more.
“I do feel your love for your homeland as well as your curiosity and exploration of China,” said Pan.
“This competition has been more than successful.”
Pan said the competition has created new bridges of understanding between the youth and deepened the special friendship between China and South Africa.
Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Pan Qingjiang congratulating the overall winner in the 2025 Driving Education Culture Competition, Gavaza Siweya of Birch Acres Primary School in Gauteng 
First prize winner at the 2025 Driving Education Culture competition Gavaza Siweya with her mother Mihloti Nicolleth Malulele at the Consulate General of China in Johannesburg
The top prize in the 2025 Driving Education Culture competition was scooped by Siweya Gavaza, a learner from Birch Acres Primary School in Midrand.
The second prize went to Caitlyn Martens from Laerskool Die Poort situated in Tshwane.
Deputy Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Zhou Yujiang, with third placed winners Yuhan Xia from Trinityhouse in Glenvista 
Deputy Consul General of China in Johannesburg, Zhou Yujiang, with third-placed winners Gathree Quinheggan from Heatherdale Secondary School in Bloemfontein and Yuhan Xia from Trinityhouse in Glenvista, Johannesburg
There was a tie for third place shared by Yuhan Xia from Trinityhouse in Glenvista in Johannesburg and Gathree Quinheggan of Heatherdale Secondary School in Bloemfontein.
Among the students who submitted as groups, Brebner High School in Bloemfontein was the top team led by teacher Megan Potgieter and her learners Owami Mjekula, Amukelani Ngobeni, and Nolwandle Phandle.
The second group prize went to Ekangala Engineering School of Specialization led by teacher Lesego Nyakalo and learners Tshiamo Masoma and Nompumelelo Malata.
All the top 50 learners who attended the event received different forms of prizes from the Consulate, ranging from money to school stationery.
Consul General Pan thanked all the participants for their excellent contribution and congratulated the winners.
“Here I also wish to mention with appreciation that the fruitful competition and today’s event would not be possible without the support and contribution from many others,” said Pan.
“My thanks go to the officials of education from both Gauteng and Free State for your strong support and mobilisation.
“There is surely a lot more we can do together in education cooperation to benefit young learners.”
Pan added, “My thanks go to the teachers and learners’ families. Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations.
“‘The valuable support from the community will always inject fresh vigour and confidence to the mutual endeavour to enhance people-to-people exchanges.”
On international relations, the Chinese envoy emphasised that young learners are the future of any nation.
“Both China and South Africa attach great importance to youth development and exchanges,” said Pan.
“In September 2024, at the opening ceremony of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, President Xi Jinping announced the incorporation of the strengthening of youth exchanges and cooperation into the ten partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation.
“The Chinese Consulate has established the annual Driving Education Culture initiative to help foster a favourable and enabling environment where the entire society cares for the youth and values education.”
Pan said humanity today faces many common challenges in the pursuit of peace and development.
“We are living in a global village and are one community with a shared future,” said Pan.
“We need to join hand-in-hand to move forward. The world needs cooperation instead of confrontation.
“China-South Africa friendship has traveled a long span of time and has defied the obstacles of mountains and oceans.”
“As early as in the mid-20th century, the newly founded People’s Republic of China lent firm support to the South African people in fighting apartheid.
Pan added, “Facing the sudden onslaught of Covid-19, China was among the first to provide anti-pandemic supplies to South Africa, reaffirming our special brotherhood.
“Under the guidance of our two presidents, China-South Africa relationship has been elevated to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, featuring a rapid expansion of cooperation in all fields, including education and youth exchanges.”
Pan said the keen South African learners are welcome to study and visit China to further their studies.
“Just like one learner correspondent said in his entry, China has not only gorgeous cities, amazing food and colorful culture, but also diligent and welcoming people. China opens its arms to the world, opens its arms to you. Young learners, you are all welcome to visit and study in China,” he said.
“My Consulate will continue to spare no effort to engage with you all for a closer bond of our two countries and peoples.”
At the event, Free State Education MEC Dr. Mantlhake Julia Maboya said the annual competition has not only showcased the creativity and talent of South Africa’s learners but has also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and education.
MEC Maboya said the cultural exchange also fosters strong bilateral relations between China and South Africa.
“The theme of this year’s competition, ‘The China-South Africa learner correspondent’ has encouraged our learners to explore and appreciate the rich histories and cultures of both nations,” said MEC Maboya.
“Through their videos, they have demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of people-to-people diplomacy and the role that education plays in shaping the future of our nations.
“The competition’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.”
MEC Maboya added: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg for their tireless efforts in promoting cultural exchange and education between our two countries.
“The Free State Department of Education is proud to have supported this initiative, and I am thrilled to see the enthusiasm and creativity that it has sparked among our learners.”
MEC Maboya said that as the provinces celebrate the achievements of their learners, one must also ponder the broader implications of this partnership.
