Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nobuhle Nkabane is set to lead a high-level South African delegation on a working visit to China between November 15 and 26, as part of efforts to fulfil South Africa's commitment to enhancing international cooperation in higher education, particularly within the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

The visit comes after the elevation of South Africa-China relations to the status of an "All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era" following President Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to China in September.

During the visit, Nkabane will participate in the 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference, which will be held in Tianjin between November 20 and 22.

The conference, themed "Innovation Empowers the Future, Skills Enlighten New Life", will bring together more than 1 000 global leaders, educators, and industry experts to discuss crucial issues related to vocational education. Among the key topics will be industry-education integration, sustainable development in education, teacher training, and quality assurance in vocational programmes.

The working visit also provides an opportunity for deeper collaboration between South Africa and China in the area of vocational education and skills development. Key areas of focus include expanding institutional partnerships between South African TVET colleges and their Chinese counterparts; increasing scholarship opportunities for South African students to study in China; and supporting South Africa's skills development, particularly in fields such as mineral processing and exploration.

The South African delegation will include representatives from several educational institutions, including Vhembe TVET College, Motheo TVET College, Esayidi TVET College, the University of South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme as well as delegates from the Council for Geoscience and Mintek.