Profile of the Centre for Chinese Studies
University of Stellenbosch

The Centre for Chinese Studies (CCS) is the first institution devoted to the study of China on the African continent. The CCS promotes the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences between China and Africa. As Africa’s interaction with China increases, the need for greater analysis and understanding between our two regions and peoples grows. The Centre seeks to fulfill this role.

Housed at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape Province, the CCS is a joint undertaking between the Governments of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China. The Centre was conferred the status of a Confucius Institute by PRC Education Minister Dr Zhou Ji during his visit to South Africa in June 2004. The CCS is thus one of only five Confucius Institutes on the African continent, the others having been established in Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.

The Centre conducts analysis of China-related research to stakeholders in Government, business, academia and NGO communities. We are also active delivering lectures to academic and business audiences at both locally and internationally.

The Centre is active in delivering business strategy content to academic and business audiences at the Graduate School of Business at Stellenbosch University, as well as private sector corporates. The CCS also forms part of the African Economic Research Consortium’s Asian Driver Programme which seeks to investigate China and India’s developmental impact on the African continent.

The CCS hosts visiting academics and Government officials within the China Forum that provides a platform for discussion and debate on China-Africa related subjects. China Forum events are often hosted in collaboration with other institutions.

The CCS has co-operative linkages with key Chinese universities and institutions pursuing both research collaboration and exchange undertakings. These linkages include Beijing University and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The Centre for Chinese Studies is also home to the Confucius Institute, the first of its kind in South Africa. Through the Confucius Institute, the CCS is projecting Chinese language and cultural studies in the Africa region. The CCS thus serves as the foremost knowledge bridge between China and the African continent.