Delegates from Fudan University and the University of Johannesburg celebrate the success of the Comparative Governance Forum, showcasing China–South Africa academic cooperation and shared learning in governance and public policy.

China–South Africa Academic Partnership Strengthened Through Comparative Governance Forum

February 7, 2026February 7, 2026490 Views 4 min read

By Thembi Moyo

Johannesburg,5 February Scholars, students and policy thinkers from China and South Africa gathered in Johannesburg for the Comparative Governance Forum, a growing academic platform that deepens dialogue on governance, development and public policy between the Global South.

The forum was jointly hosted by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Fudan University, through the Centre for Public Policy & African Studies at Johannesburg Business School (JBS) and Fudan’s School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA). SIRPA has pioneered a series of international governance workshops that bring together scholars and students to share China’s governance experience through thematic lectures, case studies and field visits. These initiatives aim to broaden global understanding of China’s development model while promoting academic exchange and comparative learning.

The Comparative Governance Forum uses a collaborative model that brings together 7–8 faculty members and up to 20 students from Fudan including public servants pursuing Master of Public Administration degrees alongside faculty and senior government-linked scholars from partner institutions abroad. The format encourages multi-dimensional dialogue among academics, students and practitioners from both countries. Two previous forums were held at Hanoi University in Vietnam in 2023 and the National University of Laos in 2025. The Johannesburg session marked the programme’s growing engagement with Africa and expanding China–Africa academic cooperation.

Addressing participants, Mr Pan Qingjiang, Consul-General of China in Johannesburg, congratulated both universities and emphasised the importance of academic dialogue in strengthening bilateral relations. “Dialogue and sharing in China–South Africa governance is essential and meaningful,” he said. “Both governmental and non-governmental exchanges, especially from the academic perspective, play an important role in deepening mutual understanding.”

He noted that the forum took place at a time when China–South Africa and China–Africa relations are reaching new levels of partnership. “The relationship between China and South Africa, and between China and Africa, is at its best period in history,” Pan said. “Both sides are committed to further strengthening cooperation and elevating relations to a higher level.” Pan highlighted that China–South Africa relations have been elevated to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in a new era, while China–Africa relations are moving toward an all-weather community with a shared future.

“We are witnessing strong momentum in economic cooperation, deepening political mutual trust, and closer people-to-people exchanges,” he said. “Public understanding and friendship form the foundation of state-to-state relations.” He added that both China and African countries are focused on national development and modernisation, with China willing to align its development strategies with African partners. “China is ready to share development opportunities and the benefits of its growth with South Africa and the African continent,” Pan said. “We encourage mutual learning in governance experience, which helps increase understanding and cooperation.”

Reflecting on global challenges, he called for unity and collaboration. “At a time of international transformation and uncertainty, the global community needs unity instead of division, and cooperation instead of confrontation,” he said, quoting an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Pan concluded by expressing support for continued academic collaboration between institutions in the two countries. “I look forward to closer exchanges between our institutions, and the Consulate will continue to support cooperation in every possible way,” he said.

Professor Zheng Lei of Fudan University said the Johannesburg forum marked a milestone for the programme. “This is the third time we are running this comparative governance workshop, but it is the first time in Africa, and South Africa is our first destination on the continent,” he said. He explained that the forum focuses on sharing China’s modernisation experience while engaging directly with South African perspectives.“We bring together scholars and students from both sides so that everyone can have immersive interaction and understand each other on a person-to-person level,” Zheng said. “This is one of our leading international cooperation initiatives focusing on the Global South and governance in a new era.” He thanked UJ and JBS for hosting the event and confirmed that further cooperation is already planned.

“We have had a wonderful experience here. Both faculty and students have benefited greatly, and we have agreed to deepen this cooperation,” he said. “There are memoranda of understanding being signed and confirmed future activities, including a summer school and joint research on state capacity and modernisation.” Participants said the forum went beyond academic discussion, offering cultural and historical insight into South Africa. One attendee described visiting Constitution Hill and the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg as a powerful experience.

“Walking through Constitution Hill, you can really feel South Africa’s long journey toward human rights, democracy, justice and freedom,” the participant said. “It helps us understand the importance of peace and development, not just in theory but in real life.” Another participant highlighted the value of the forum’s multidisciplinary nature. “What makes this programme special is that it links governance, business and public administration,” the attendee said. “It shows how public and private sectors interact and how international cooperation can be approached from a broader, more integrated perspective.”

As the forum concluded, organisers and delegates agreed that the Comparative Governance Forum is becoming an important bridge between Chinese and South African institutions strengthening academic collaboration, policy dialogue and mutual learning at a time when Global South partnerships are gaining increasing global relevance.