by Prof Mashupye Maseremule, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities
My three-week study sojourn in China offered a profound glimpse into a nation that has transformed itself into a global economic powerhouse through innovation, strategic partnerships, and integrated governance. This reflective article explores key observations from my experiences in Beijing, Shanghai, and Kunming, drawing actionable lessons for South Africa to strengthen its innovation ecosystems, special economic zones (SEZs), and governance frameworks. From the resilience symbolised by the Great Wall to the dynamic tech hubs of Shenzhen and Zhongguancun, China’s journey provides a blueprint for South Africa’s development.
China’s Innovation Ecosystem: A Model for Collaboration
China’s economic rise is anchored in its investment in science, technology, and education. Over the past 75 years, its university system has grown significantly, prioritising practical learning and strategic partnerships with industry and government. Beijing Jiaotong University, my host institution, exemplifies this through its collaboration with the China Railway Corporation and the Beijing Municipal Government. The Collaborative Innovation Centre for Rail Transit Safety, part of the 2011 National Projects, demonstrates how government-industry-university partnerships can amplify research and innovation capacity.
Lessons for South Africa
Gauteng province, home to five universities and research bodies like the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), holds immense potential to replicate this model. Strategic partnerships, backed by the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Science and Innovation, could position Pretoria and Johannesburg as innovation hubs comparable to Shanghai. Aligning academic research with national development goals can significantly enhance South Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Special Economic Zones: Strategic Location and Performance
China’s SEZs in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, and Xiamen have been instrumental in driving industrialisation and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Strategically located in coastal cities, these zones leverage robust infrastructure and targeted incentives. South Africa’s SEZs, while contributing R30.973 billion in investment and 27,021 permanent jobs (Department of Trade and Industry, 2020), often lack comprehensive performance evaluations, focusing primarily on outputs like job creation while neglecting costs, occupancy rates, and tenant contributions.
Lessons for South Africa
South Africa should strategically locate SEZs in regions with strong infrastructure and market access, rather than distributing them across every province. Conducting an independent study to assess the performance of SEZs, including their costs and long-term economic impacts, could yield deeper insights. By adopting China’s SEZ model as hubs for industrialisation and global trade, South Africa can maximise their effectiveness.
Urban and Rural Integration: A Holistic Approach
China’s urban development seamlessly blends modernity with cultural and ecological considerations, as seen in Kunming, the “City of Eternal Spring.” Its proximity to Southeast Asian borders enhances its role as a trading hub, harmonising natural beauty with economic vitality. China’s governance model emphasises integrated planning, weaving historical, cultural, and philosophical elements like Confucianism and Taoism into balanced development strategies.
Lessons for South Africa
South Africa’s policy framework, particularly the Constitution’s emphasis on cooperative governance, aligns with this integrated approach; however, implementation remains challenging. By embedding integration into daily governance and leveraging cultural and historical narratives, South Africa can improve coordination across government levels. Gauteng’s urban centres could emulate Kunming by capitalising on natural assets and strategic positioning to drive economic growth.
Leadership and Shared Vision
Since the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949 and the implementation of the Reform and Opening-Up policy in 1978, China’s transformation has been guided by strong leadership and a shared national vision. These initiatives unified diverse stakeholders around common goals, advancing education, agriculture, and economic development. South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP), launched in 2012, sought similar unity but has since lost momentum.
Lessons for South Africa
The Government of National Unity’s renewed focus on the NDP provides an opportunity to revive a shared vision. Drawing on China’s success in sustaining enthusiasm through inclusive leadership, as evidenced by its National Dialogue, South Africa can reposition the NDP as a guiding framework. Encouraging public participation will align efforts toward sustainable growth.
Cultural and Historical Resilience
The Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, symbolises the nation’s resilience and cultural pride. Museums in Beijing, Shanghai, and Kunming highlight China’s ability to integrate its rich history with modern progress, strengthening national identity and supporting development goals.
Lessons for South Africa
South Africa can harness its cultural and historical narratives to foster national pride and unity. By integrating these elements into development strategies, as China has done, South Africa can create a cohesive vision that resonates with its diverse population.
Global Academic Partnerships
A highlight of my sojourn was facilitating TUT’s inclusion in the Global Academic Partnership Network Initiative for Dialogue of Civilisations, a collaboration with the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS). This initiative underscores the value of global partnerships in advancing knowledge and cultural exchange.
Lessons for South Africa
South African universities should pursue similar global collaborations to bolster research and innovation. Partnerships with international institutions can provide access to new ideas and resources, enhancing South Africa’s academic and economic capabilities.
In conclusion, China’s journey offers South Africa a roadmap for fostering innovation through strategic partnerships, optimising SEZs, integrating urban and rural development, and sustaining a shared national vision. By adapting these lessons to its unique context, South Africa can transform cities like Pretoria and Johannesburg into vibrant innovation hubs, mirroring the success of Shenzhen and Shanghai. The path forward lies in strategic collaboration, inclusive governance, and a renewed commitment to the NDP, paving the way for a prosperous future for all South Africans.
