The 24th Chinese Bridge - Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students concluded its finals in South Africa and Zambia on Friday, with dozens of local students winning from fierce competition involving Chinese language tests, speeches, and various talent performances. Under the theme "One World, One Family," the South African final in Cape Town brought together 15 standout students from various universities, each selected through multiple rounds of competition. They shared their experiences of learning Chinese in the language itself, vividly showcasing the crucial role of Chinese language in fostering cross-cultural communication. Thakane Masia from Rhodes University claimed the championship after intense competition in the Chinese written test, themed speech, and talent showcase. The event also included an activity to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, where students made five-color silk threads and scented sachets and ate zongzi, providing them with a deeper insight into Chinese culture and traditions. Meanwhile, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia in Lusaka, there were the Zambian finals of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" and the 18th edition for Foreign Secondary School Students. The two finals turned out 10 university students and nine secondary school students, who demonstrated their Chinese language proficiency and cultural knowledge through poetry recitations and performances of Chinese pop songs. After fierce competition, Rabecca Daka from the University of Zambia and Mubanga Museba from Kasama Girls' Secondary School won first prizes in their respective categories. Shotlist: Cape Town, South Africa - May 30, 2025: 1. Hosts of final competition of 24th Chinese Bridge - Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in South Africa speaking; 2. Various of students in competition; 3. Student giving speech; 4. Student singing; 5. Thakane Masia, student from Rhodes University, being awarded; 6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese/English) Thakane Masia, student, Rhodes University: "This year, everyone prepared really hard. The performances and speeches were all amazing, so I'm truly (switch to English) proud (switch to Chinese) to be number one."; 7. Various of students displaying five-color silk threads, scented sachets, posing for group photos; Lusaka, Zambia - May 30, 2025 8. Various of posters of final competitions of 24th Chinese Bridge - Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, 18th edition for Foreign Secondary School Students in Zambia; 9. Various of student dancing, performing martial arts; 10. Various of award-winning students holding trophy, certificates, posing for photos with officials; 11. SOUNDBITE (English) Daka Rabecca, student, University of Zambia: "Chinese is not just a language; it's like a bridge between two or more people, or between countries."; 12. Various of students dancing, singing. [Restricton - No access Chinese mainland]