Young scientists from China and South Africa gathered in Pretoria on Wednesday for a symposium aimed at strengthening scientific collaboration, exchanging research ideas and promoting innovation between the two countries.
The South Africa-China Young Scientist Symposium, held under the theme “Youth, Science, Unity for Good,” brought together about 150 young researchers and academics to discuss opportunities for cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
The event was jointly organised by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation as part of efforts to deepen bilateral scientific ties.
South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries, saying cooperation in science and technology had produced more than 100 joint research and development projects over the past two decades.
He described the South Africa-China Young Scientists Exchange Programme as an important platform for skills development and knowledge sharing, encouraging participants to use the opportunity to contribute to solving global challenges.
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“Scientific and technological cooperation, especially exchanges among young scientists, has always been one of the most dynamic and productive areas of China-South Africa relations,” Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng said.
Wu said China would continue supporting academic exchanges, joint research initiatives and collaborative innovation among young scientists from both countries to strengthen bilateral relations.
Researchers at the symposium highlighted several areas where cooperation has produced significant results, including quantum technology, astronomy and agriculture.
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Yaseera Ismail, a senior lecturer at Stellenbosch University and lead researcher of the South African team, said South African and Chinese scientists established a quantum key distribution link in 2025, extending ultra-secure quantum communication to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.
She said the partnership had combined China’s expertise in quantum satellite technologies with South Africa’s strengths in astronomy and optical systems.
“After getting such remarkable results, we want to push further and explore new breakthroughs with our Chinese colleagues,” Ismail said.
Chinese researcher Guo Wenqing, based at Stellenbosch University, said South Africa’s advanced astronomical facilities, including the MeerKAT radio telescope and the planned Square Kilometre Array, had created unique opportunities for research into the universe and dark matter.
Guo said his experience in South Africa had strengthened both his scientific work and cultural understanding through engagement with local researchers, students and communities.
In agriculture, Sandiswa Figlan, associate professor of plant breeding at the University of South Africa, said young scientists would play a central role in addressing future food security challenges.
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Figlan said her visit to China exposed her to advanced greenhouse systems, modern agricultural technologies and approaches that help translate scientific research into practical farming solutions.
She stressed that challenges such as climate change required cooperation across disciplines and countries.
“We cannot continue working in silos; we must build partnerships to tackle global challenges,” she said.
The symposium forms part of broader efforts by China and South Africa to expand scientific partnerships and create opportunities for young researchers to contribute to innovation-driven development.
