GAUTENG AND BEIJING DELEGATIONS STRENGTHEN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School in Ebony Park hosted a Beijing education delegation as Gauteng and Beijing strengthen cooperation in education, digital learning, sport, arts and culture.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and the Beijing Municipality of Education are strengthening cooperation in education, sport, arts and culture following a bilateral engagement led by MEC Lebogang Maile and a delegation from Beijing.
The discussions focused on shared priorities, including early childhood development, AI and digital education, and post-school opportunities for young people.
As part of the engagement, the Beijing delegation visited Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School in Ebony Park for a cultural exchange and social cohesion programme.
The visit provided the delegation with an opportunity to experience South Africa’s education system first-hand through the lens of a modern township school.
According to Alex Shanty Songo, Deputy Chief Education Specialist in the Johannesburg East District, the visit forms part of a partnership between GDE and the Office of the Consulate General of China in Johannesburg.
Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School is expected to be among schools considered for a future school-twinning programme with schools in Beijing. The programme aims to promote the sharing of good practices, collaboration and social cohesion.
School principal Mr Avhatakali Netshianzwane presented the school’s history, achievements and challenges. He highlighted ongoing challenges with water and electricity and identified a borehole and solar panels as areas where support could make a significant difference.
Representing the Beijing delegation, Mr Li Junfeng thanked GDE and the school for the warm reception. He said the Beijing Municipality of Education is now a partner of GDE and announced that they would be adopting Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School as a partner school.
Speaking on behalf of the MEC, Acting DDG Ms Seenat Mirazi described the partnership as a significant step towards addressing challenges within the education system. She said GDE is currently working on the preliminary formalisation of the partnership through a Declaration Letter of Intent.
The event also featured cultural music, dance and festivities, with the delegation treated to an African cuisine meal.
GSG Tactical Security Services, led by Director Mr George Ndhlovu, provided security and escorted the delegation throughout the event.
The day concluded with both parties exchanging commemorative gifts, marking the growing relationship between Gauteng and Beijing in education and cultural cooperation.
