The visit formed part of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) battery consortium initiative, which aims to build international partnerships in the rapidly evolving fields of battery technology and new energy vehicles (NEVs).
The delegation, with Mandela University's Prof Ernst Ferg second from left, engaging with research and academic staff at Tsinghua University.
The South African delegation comprising 11 members, represented government, academia, research institutions and industry and explored collaboration opportunities with Chinese counterparts.
Advancing South Africa’s capabilities in energy storage technologies is becoming increasingly critical amid rising energy demands and the global transition towards sustainable solutions.
Travelling nearly 4 000 kilometres across five cities, the delegation engaged with 13 institutions, including leading universities, research institutes and major industry players.
Among the highlights were visits to globally recognised institutions, such as Tsinghua University, known for its excellence in engineering and cutting-edge battery research, as well as vocational colleges that specialise in training students to work on new energy vehicles.
These engagements provided valuable insights into how China is aligning education, research and industry to support emerging technologies.
Map of China showing the various cities and institutions visited during the study tour.
The delegation also visited prominent research organisations and energy companies specialising in battery manufacturing, mineral beneficiation and renewable energy systems, opening avenues for collaboration in advanced battery chemistries, electric mobility solutions and energy storage systems.
South Africa’s rich mineral resources position the country as a key player in the global battery value chain. However, with increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, particularly for renewable energy storage and electric mobility, there is a growing need to accelerate local research, development and manufacturing capabilities. Partnerships with global leaders, such as China, are therefore essential in supporting this transition.
Prof Ferg’s participation in the delegation is closely linked to his role as a research adviser to uYilo, a national programme housed within Mandela University’s eNtsa in the School of Engineering.
This programme focuses on supporting the development of electric mobility and battery technologies in South Africa through research, testing and skills development. Insights from this visit are expected to strengthen these initiatives and expand their impact across the sector.
Beyond the technical and strategic engagements, the study tour also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange. Reflecting on the experience, Prof Ferg emphasised the broader significance of international collaboration:
“The study tour helped reduce some of the cultural bias and mindset often portrayed in the media. It fostered a new appreciation for diversity and respect for differences, highlighting that we often have more in common than what separates us.”
This perspective emphasises the importance of global partnerships, not only in advancing technology, but also in fostering mutual understanding and shared purpose in addressing global challenges, such as climate change and energy security.
Looking ahead, the visit has laid a strong foundation for future collaboration. Planned initiatives include student exchange programmes, postgraduate opportunities, and joint research and industry partnerships.
These efforts align with broader national and institutional priorities to drive innovation, enhance skills development, and position South Africa competitively within the global energy landscape.
As Nelson Mandela University continues to prioritise impactful research and international engagement, initiatives such as this study tour highlight the institution’s commitment to shaping sustainable solutions for the future.