Confucius Institute serves as a "rainbow bridge" connecting the hearts of the two peoples of China and South Africa, said visiting Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong on April 26.

Liu paid a visit to the Confucius Institute at the Durban University of Technology and was warmly welcomed by faculty members and students.

The vice premier toured an exhibition on the teaching achievements of the Confucius Institute and attended a student art show featuring South African and Chinese dances as well as recitals of excerpts from Confucian Analects and Nelson Mandela's autobiography.

In her remarks, Liu described Confucius Institute as an important platform for exchanges and mutual learning among diverse civilizations.

The leaders of China and South Africa attach great importance to the building and growth of Confucius Institute, she said.

With 10 Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classes, South Africa, which is dubbed the "Rainbow Nation," has the most number in Africa, which hosts a total of 48 Confucius Institutes and 27 Confucius Classes.

The Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classes in South Africa help local people learn Chinese language and culture, and contribute to the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, she said.

Liu noted that South Africa added Chinese language to its school curriculum in 2015 and is currently conducting trials at 11 primary and secondary schools.

As the trials expand gradually in the next phase, the door will open for more South African children to embark on a remarkable journey of Chinese language and culture, she added.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2017)