On May 15, 2026, the final of the 25th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for University Students in South Africa was held in Cape Town. Wu Peng, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, delivered a video address. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape delivered a welcome speech. Ren Faqiang, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Cape Town, delivered a speech and presented awards to the first-prize winners.

Consul General Ren stated that the Chinese language is a vital carrier for inheriting Chinese civilization and a bridge connecting the Chinese and South African peoples in mutual understanding and friendship. He expressed his hope that more and more young South Africans will visit China through the "Chinese Bridge", build friendship and work hand in hand with Chinese youth, and jointly write a new chapter of China-South Africa friendship.

Twenty-two contestants from nine universities across South Africa took part in the final held at the University of the Western Cape. Sixolise Tshobonga from Durban University of Technology won the first prize and will represent South Africa to participate in the final in Beijing.