Stellenbosch saw the return of a Lunar New Year celebration after the absence of one in 2025. Celebrated at Academia Hall, it was a collaborative effort which celebrated Chinese culture and heritage.
A panda on the front lawn welcoming the guests. PHOTO: Hae-Won Boesack
Held on 16 February, a day before the Lunar New Year, The Confucius Institute of Stellenbosch University (CISU) and the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Department of Stellenbosch University organised the event. This is the first Lunar New Year event hosted by the CISU since Professor Ruojuan Zheng was appointed as co-director in September of 2024.
“When I arrived in Stellenbosch, there was only one teacher left [at the CISU],” she said.
Without a proper faculty they were unable to host an event in 2025.
The CISU is a non-profit educational organisation, funded by the Chinese government, aimed at promoting Chinese language and culture through free classes and events. They also aid in educational exchanges and Chinese proficiency exams (HSK).
Also referred to as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year celebrates the first new moon of the lunar calendar.
The main hall decorated in the spirit of Lunar New Year. PHOTO: Hae-Won Boesack
“We [Chinese nationals] miss home,” said lecturer and programme coordinator, Xiangcong “Allen” Luo. Despite it being a major Chinese holiday, he is unable to celebrate with his family in China. “We work all year long, but we cannot be with our families during this big holiday,” he said.
Luo added that it is a time to reunite with family and secure good fortunes for the coming year.
Prior to the arrival of Professor Zheng, Stellenbosch University and the CISU did not have a formal relationship with each other for some years. However, this year, the CISU asked if the MFL department wanted to team up and organise the event. “We thought, why not?” laughed Allen.
Professor Zheng said the main mission of the CISU is to promote the Chinese language. Luo echoed this sentiment: “We both do the same thing, we both promote the language.” This event made it possible for both the CISU and the MFL department to share the Chinese culture together.
The event catered for 200 guests and featured bubble tea upon arrival, a giant inflatable panda on the lawn, and traditional games. Thereafter, pork dumplings were served during the opening ceremony and a Chinese buffet spread was served for dinner. There were several acts, demonstrating tai chi, singing and traditional Chinese performances.
Guest’s taking part in the festivites. PHOTO: Hae-Won Boesack
Carlyn Hewitson, an audience member who came along with her friends, expressed her interest in the event. “I think every culture, no matter where we find ourselves, looks forward to new beginnings,” she said.
Professor Zheng said this would be the biggest event hosted by the CISU for the year. However, there are plans to host other smaller events for upcoming Chinese holidays, like the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival.
Bian Lian (face changing) performance. VIDEO: Hae-Won Boesack