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The Centre for Chinese Studies (CCS) at Stellenbosch University is the leading African research institution for innovative & policy relevant analysis of the relations between China and Africa.
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CCS in the News
“Working with Chinese contractors” – The Guardian UK
17 May 2013
There are many generalisations about ‘the Chinese’ in Africa, but what is it really like to work with them? The Guardian spoke to Dr Grimm, Director of the CCS and Deborah Bräutigam, a professor of international development and comparative politics at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. Prof Bräutigam explains that “It’s a myth to think that everything the Chinese do happens quickly. I’ve seen negotiations drag on for a long time, especially for bigger initiatives like hydropower dams or mining projects, which would not normally be financed through the aid programme. If you look at any of the big deals that have been announced, they don’t happen quickly. However, it’s also a myth that Chinese firms don’t hire local people.” Dr Sven however said that “we should not forget that [it's not unusual], once you have won a tender, to renegotiate later on, when costs are increasing. This is also the case with some European projects – look at the new concert house in Hamburg, for instance.” [Click here for the full article]
Latest Commentary
Commentary: Reflections on, ‘Managing Security and Risk in China-Africa Relations’ a conference held by the CCS, April 2013
From the 25th to the 26th of April, 2013 The Centre for Chinese at Stellenbosch University hosted a conference entitled “Managing Security and Risk in China Africa Relations”. Over the past decade, China’s influence on the African continent has grown significantly. While this growth has been primarily within the economic sphere, such expansion has increasingly become bound up with issues of political involvement. This is because huge capital investments are inevitably bound up with questions of securing assets and personnel, not to mention growing geopolitical influence which such ventures afford. picture of China’s current political relationship with Africa. Continue reading
By Dr. Ross Anthony
Research Fellow
Centre for Chinese Studies
Stellenbosch University