Brian Sokutu
When Grade 7 pupil at South Africa’s Birch Acres Primary School, Gavaza Siweya, entered the 2025 Driving Education Culture Short Video Competition, little did she expect to emerge an overall winner – walking away with the R250 000 prize money.
The annual school competition held in winter, as part of commemorating the Soweto June 16 Uprising, has this year drawn about 140 entries from pupils in over 80 schools in Gauteng and the Free State.
Hosted by Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg, the drive is a Chinese-SA collaborative push to deepen educational, cultural and historical ties between the two countries, with people-to-people relations at the core.
“I just had to take it slow, making sure that I do not stress myself, because the fundamental thing was to have fun.
“In coming up with a winning video, I did a lot of research, scrapping a lot of other ideas, because of the time limit.
“I feel happy to have won this major prize and my parents are very excited.
“Am looking forward to visiting China, because that will open up a lot of opportunities for me,” said Siweya – reflecting on winning the grand prize.
Top individual runners-up to win prize money in the competition, included Catlyn Martens (Laerskool Die Poort), Quinheggan Gathree (Heatherdale Secondary School) and Yuhan Xia (Trinityhouse Glenvistar).
Top two teams to win were Owami Mjekula, Amukelani Ngobeni, Nolwandle Phandle (Brebner High School), Tshiamo Masoma and Nompumelelo Malata (Enkangala School of Specialisation).
According to Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg, PAN Qingjiang, the Consulate in May launched the Short Video Competition, under the project of Driving Education Culture – under the theme of The China–South Africa Learner Correspondent.
“While celebrating the Youth Month of South Africa, we hope the short video competition will help to foster a deeper understanding of China and South Africa’s histories and cultures – promoting the friendship between our two countries.
“I have attentively watched your wonderful works.
“Each entry shines with colourful form, deep thinking, great enthusiasm and creativity.
“It vividly presents both the unique beauty and charm of a variety of cities of our two countries and the shared commonalities, through broad perspectives.
“This includes landmarks, nature, culture, cuisine, folkway and people’s daily life.
“I do feel your love for the homeland – as well as your curiosity and exploration of China.
“This competition has created new bridges of understanding between our youth and deepened the special friendship between our two countries,” said PAN.
He said the China-South Africa friendship “has travelled 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.
“Facing the sudden onslaught of Covid-19, China was among the first to provide anti-pandemic supplies to South Africa – reaffirming our special brotherhood,” added PAN.
Said Free State MEC for Education, Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya: “The competition’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.
“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.
“I am thrilled to see the enthusiasm and creativity that it has sparked among our learners.
“As we celebrate the achievements of our learners, we must also reflect on the broader implications of this partnership.
“The China-South Africa relationship offers immense opportunities for developmental benefit, particularly in the fields of education and tourism.
“By working together, we can create a brighter future for our youth and promote mutual understanding and respect between our nations.”
Maboya proposed the broadening of the initiative to include other SA provinces.
