The 2026 International Chinese Language Day Chinese Dubbing Competition in South Africa recently announced its results, with Sebabatso Kazadi, Amohetsoe Mokoena, and Lethabo Noge taking first prize in the under-18 division of the non-native Chinese category for their 'My Little Pony' dub. The competition, organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, was open to Chinese language learners across South Africa through an online registration platform.
This year's competition had the theme "When Chinese Meets South Africa" and featured five divisions: the Under-8 Native Chinese Division, the Ages 9–12 Native Chinese Division, the Ages 13–18 Native Chinese Division, the Under-18 Non-Native Chinese Division, and the 18+ Non-Native Chinese Division. A total of 131 dubbing entries were received from Confucius Institutes, Confucius Classrooms, and Chinese language education institutions throughout South Africa. Participants were tasked with dubbing selected clips from popular animated films and television series.
The competition attracted enthusiastic participation from young Chinese language learners across South Africa, with contestants showcasing not only their solid command of the Chinese language but also their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. The judges carefully reviewed and scored every online entry based on four core criteria: Chinese pronunciation and intonation, language fluency, audio synchronization, and overall expressiveness.
To ensure a fair, impartial, and transparent judging process, the competition invited three experienced professionals to form a senior expert judging panel: a former Chinese Language Advisor to South Africa’s Department of Basic Education, a former President of the Chinese Language Teachers Association of South Africa, and the Secretary-General of the Chinese Economic and Trade Association in South Africa.
For each division, one First Prize, two Second Prizes, and three Third Prizes were awarded, along with a number of Encouragement Awards. The competition used fun and engaging dubbing as a medium to transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries, stimulating young South Africans' enthusiasm for learning Chinese and strengthening learners' practical ability to use the language.
The event provided a high-quality platform for showcasing and promoting cultural exchange between China and South Africa, contributing to the mutual integration and exchange of Chinese and South African cultures. The Confucius Classroom of the Center for Chinese Culture and International Education and Cultural Exchange will continue to advance international Chinese language education in South Africa.
Through these efforts, Chinese will serve as a strong bond of friendship connecting China and South Africa, opening a new chapter in cultural exchange between the two countries. The competition's success demonstrates the growing interest in Chinese language and culture among South African students, with the potential for future collaborations and exchanges between the two nations.
Key points
- South African students won top prizes in a Chinese dubbing competition, showcasing their language skills and cultural appreciation.
- The competition was organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation.
- The event provided a platform for promoting cultural exchange between China and South Africa.
