According to the National Science Board of the National Science Foundation, China is the world leader in science and engineering research.
This is the country where Mr Nkululeko Blessing Mkhwanazi spent 2017 to further his studies in electrical engineering.
The Chinese Culture Centre is one of the leading Chinese educational institutions in South Africa that focuses on education collaboration between the two countries.
Their main goal is to create opportunities for students to gain work experience through integration.
The Chinese centre has been devoted to South African educational innovation for the past five years.
Altogether 200 students across the country, all from TVET colleges, were nominated to take part in a 12-month programme.
Mr Mkhwanazi was part of a delegation from Gert Sibande College, the only college with 14 students compared to the four students per college target that was set by the centre.
Mr Mkhwanazi was on an all expenses paid trip that included a stipend of 600 Yuan (R1 151-88) plus a return flight, visa fee, accident, death and medical benefits, transport, meals and accommodation.
He spent six months at a university doing theoretical work and another six months doing practical work at manufacturing plants.
It is a far cry from the dusty streets of Wesselton, Phumula, where he grew up.
Mr Mkhwanazi recalled the cultural shock that he experienced when he first landed in China.
Language was the biggest barrier that he had to overcome, with the majority of the Chinese people not speaking English.
A translator saved the day and was used to full advantage to grasp Mandarin.
Through the college, work and extra-curricular activities provided by the programme organisers, Mr Mkhwanazi walked away with lifetime friends and mentors.
Now a lecturer at GS College, Mr Mkhwanazi is putting all the knowledge and education that he gained from his trip to good use by imparting it to the students who he teaches.
His personal studies are far from over though, because he wants to pursue a degree in his field.
Mr Mkhwanazi’s parting words were for the youth of Wesselton who he encouraged to take advantage of the GS College, which is on their doorstep and to study as much as they can.
