The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit witnessed the premiere of "Believe in the Land, My African Brothers," a collaborative production between Beijing Forestry University and CCTV-17's San Nong Chang Duan Shuo segment. The episode, subtitled "Love the Land, Love Life: Bringing Water-Saving Experience Home," presents the journey of RAPHAHLA KWENA SIDNEY, a South African master's student at BFU's School of Soil and Water Conservation. It highlights his dedication to applying ecological practices learned in China to enhance sustainability in his home country.

"Before arriving in China, Sydney saw firsthand the significant impact that water scarcity in many parts of South Africa had on residents' livelihoods." China has made impressive strides in preventing soil erosion, efficiently managing water resources, and promoting land conservation and utilization. I believe that studying here will allow me to gain valuable insights and innovative approaches to address these challenges."

Driven by this purpose, Sydney chose to pursue a master's degree in Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control at BFU in 2021, aiming to gain comprehensive knowledge and training in the efficient use of water resources.

his summer break, Sidney and his fellow graduate students stayed productive, frequently consulting with their advisors to advance their thesis projects. As urbanization, population growth, and climate change continue to exacerbate South Africa's water crisis, Sidney decided to focus his thesis on "Rainwater Harvesting and Utilization in Different Climate Zones of South Africa", hoping to implement insights from China's approaches in tackling this critical issue in his home country.

Using the urban rainwater utilization hydrological model developed by Professor Zhang Shouhong's team, Sydney has created a rainfall distribution map of South Africa. This map will provide crucial data support for his thesis.

Sidney's dorm room is filled with items like soil samples from Ningxia, a magnifying glass for studying soil, and an assortment of rocks. He says that the more time he spends in the field, the deeper his appreciation for the land grows. "When I return to South Africa, I want to do my best to raise awareness about the challenges of climate change and emphasize the importance of protecting the environment and natural resources."

Sidney's enthusiasm has earned him recognition among his peers. At the invitation of College of Material Science and Technology, he joined a cross-departmental project for the "China International College Students' Innovation Competition (CICSIC)", where they developed a solar-powered water purifier. The purifier is designed for water treatment in resource-poor or remote areas. Thanks to its portability and ease of production, Sidney plans to bring this device to South Africa to help with water purification initiatives.

Beyond his love for the land, Sidney expressed great interest in the cultural exchange activities organized by BFU. He views them as valuable opportunities for mutual learning and cultural fusion, a process he truly enjoys. "Exchange goes both ways. You share your culture with me, and I'll share mine with you," he said.

At present, over 90 African students are studying at BFU. The leader of the International College expressed hope that these students will not only gain the professional knowledge they seek but also immerse themselves in Chinese culture through various social activities. Upon returning home, they are expected to serve as ambassadors of China-Africa relations, making valuable contributions to fostering a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

Written by Yang Yinan, Cui Lange
Translated and edited by Song He
Reviewed by Yu Yangyang