This petition has been drawn up by Students4Chinese to make the public aware of the possible closure of the Chinese Section of the Modern Foreign Languages Department. With the closure of the Chinese Section the legitimacy of students’ degrees who study and have studied Chinese at Stellenbosch University will be brought into question. The closing of the Chinese section goes against the University’s values of innovation and being future focused. Stellenbosch will more than likely not be able to call itself a “world-class institution," which is something we do not wish to see happen.

The Current situation of the Chinese Section:

There is currently a lack of funding for the Section, despite constant advocacy to increase funding for the section. If there is no increase in funding this could result in the closure of the Chinese Section in the Modern Foreign Languages Department.

Why the Chinese Section should stay open:

1. Chinese is fundamental to International Relations and students whom wish to pursue a career within the field of diplomacy or international trade.

2. The closure of the Chinese Section may have implications for the China South-Africa relationship and will reduce opportunities for South African students to study abroad.

3. Chinese has been said by government to be implemented in the basic education system within South Africa. By closing the Chinese section, there is not only a discrepancy between the basic education syllabus and the Stellenbosch University syllabus; but there will also be a decrease in the amount of potential Chinese educators within the South African market.

The Way forward:

A memorandum will be sent to the Rector’s Management Team (RMT) stipulating the demand to maintain the Chinese section. The memorandum will consist of concrete research as to why the Chinese Section should remain and why the presence of the Chinese Section is beneficial to the University. Also included in the memorandum is the online petition signatures and it’s here that we need the greater public's support.With the signatures given we will be able to show the RMT that there is support for the Chinese Section from not only students and academics but also from individuals who have a vested interest in Chinese.

If anyone wishes to assist the Chinese Section through means of funding or simply wishes to know how they could assist us please contact: Students4Chinese@gmail.com

To see the progression of our cause please go to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Students4Chinese-33517673...