Beijing Jiaotong University has awarded an Honorary Professorship to South African Minister Blade Nzimande in recognition of his contributions to education and to strengthen ties between the two countries. Minister Nzimande expressed his gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the support and friendship from China throughout his career. The prestigious recognition presents an opportunity for deeper partnerships and enhanced collaboration in education and innovation.
What is the significance of the Honorary Professorship awarded to Minister Blade Nzimande by Beijing Jiaotong University?
The Honorary Professorship awarded to Minister Blade Nzimande by Beijing Jiaotong University celebrates his substantial contributions to education and strengthens the bond between South Africa and China. The prestigious recognition signifies the enduring friendship between the two countries and presents an opportunity for deeper partnerships and enhanced collaboration in education and innovation.
The South African Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Professor (Dr) Blade Nzimande, was recently honored with an Honorary Professorship by the esteemed Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU). Both the South African Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Science and Innovation celebrated this momentous occasion, which took place on November 4th, 2023.
During his acceptance speech, Minister Prof Nzimande expressed deep gratitude and humility for receiving such a distinguished honor from a highly respected institution. He acknowledged the importance of the award and the consistent support and friendship from China throughout his career. Minister Nzimande believes that this award symbolizes the lasting bond between South Africa and China, and envisions BJTU playing a more prominent role in their strategic alliance.
With a storied history of over 120 years, BJTU has developed a comprehensive and coordinated educational system. The university is well-known for its strong disciplines in information and management, distinctive disciplines in transportation, and a wide range of disciplines that include engineering, management, economics, science, liberal arts, law, and philosophy.
BJTU’s reputation has grown on the international stage, with the university consistently ranking within the top 500 of the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). The institution places great emphasis on nurturing talent, which lies at the heart of its mission and operations. Through academic reforms and construction, BJTU has cultivated numerous skilled professionals for China and its industries over the years.
The university supports a diverse student population, with 16,888 undergraduates, 2,763 doctoral students, 9,933 master’s students, and 3,389 adult college students. Additionally, BJTU hosts 1,142 international exchange students. The academic philosophy of the university focuses on synergies between undergraduate and master programs, interdisciplinary integration, close ties between industry and academia, and global connectivity.
Minister Prof Nzimande boasts a long and distinguished career in South African education and politics. Appointed as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation on May 30th, 2019, he previously held positions as the Minister of Transport from February 27th, 2018 to May 25th, 2019, and the Minister of Higher Education and Training from May 26th, 2014 until October 17th, 2017.
His political career extends beyond these ministerial roles, as he also serves as the Chairperson of the South African Communist Party (SACP), former chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education, former deputy chair of the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party, and former chairperson of the Financial Sector Campaign Coalition.
The bestowal of this Honorary Professorship on Minister Prof Nzimande is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education and his endeavors to fortify the relationship between South Africa and China. As a prominent figure in South African education, he has already achieved a great deal and is poised to accomplish even more in the future.
In summary, the awarding of an Honorary Professorship by Beijing Jiaotong University to Minister Blade Nzimande signifies the enduring friendship between South Africa and China. It honors the minister’s substantial contributions to education and his steadfast dedication to nurturing strong bonds between the two countries. This prestigious recognition presents an opportunity for both nations to deepen their partnerships and enhance collaboration in education and innovation for years to come.
Blade Nzimande is the current South African Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, with a distinguished career in South African education and politics.
The award is a symbol of the enduring friendship between South Africa and China, honoring the minister’s contributions to education and dedication to nurturing strong bonds between the two countries. It presents an opportunity for deeper partnerships and enhanced collaboration in education and innovation.
BJTU is well-known for its strong disciplines in information and management, distinctive disciplines in transportation, and a wide range of other disciplines that include engineering, management, economics, science, liberal arts, law, and philosophy.
BJTU consistently ranks within the top 500 of the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), and its reputation has grown on the international stage.
BJTU supports a diverse student population, with 16,888 undergraduates, 2,763 doctoral students, 9,933 master’s students, and 3,389 adult college students. Additionally, BJTU hosts 1,142 international exchange students.
Minister Nzimande has held positions as the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Higher Education and Training, and he currently serves as the Chairperson of the South African Communist Party (SACP).
Yes, Minister Nzimande is committed to education reform in South Africa, with a focus on expanding access to higher education and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
This award presents an opportunity for South Africa and China to deepen their partnerships and enhance collaboration in education and innovation. It also signifies the lasting bond between the two countries and celebrates the minister’s contributions to education.
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