Parliament, Friday, 17 July 2026 – The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, today engaged South African and other African students studying at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) in Moscow as part of her official parliamentary working visit to the Russian Federation.
The engagement formed part of Parliament's efforts to strengthen people-to-people relations and educational cooperation between South Africa and the Russian Federation, while recognising the important contribution that higher education partnerships make to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Africa's development agenda.
Addressing the students, the Chairperson reflected on the deep historical relationship between South Africa, the African continent and the Russian Federation, describing education as one of the enduring pillars of that relationship. She noted that for many decades, Russia had provided educational opportunities to South Africans and Africans, including during the liberation struggle when many young people received training and higher education in the former Soviet Union.
The Chairperson encouraged the students to seize the unique opportunity afforded to them to study abroad and to use the knowledge, skills and international exposure they acquire to contribute meaningfully to the development of their respective countries upon their return.
"You are not merely pursuing academic qualifications; you are preparing yourselves to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, scientists, professionals and public servants who will shape the future of our continent. Africa needs your knowledge, your commitment and your patriotism," she said.
The Chairperson reminded the South African students that the educational opportunities they enjoy today are founded on the sacrifices of previous generations who fought for freedom and democracy. She made particular reference to the 1976 generation of student activists, whose courage and determination fundamentally changed the course of South Africa's history.
"As South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Student Uprising this year, you carry an important responsibility. Just as that generation transformed our country through sacrifice and courage, your generation has the opportunity to transform our nation through knowledge, innovation and service. Education remains one of the most powerful instruments for achieving lasting social and economic change," she said.
The Chairperson further emphasised that universities play an increasingly important role in strengthening relations between nations through research collaboration, academic exchange and innovation. She welcomed the growing partnerships between Russian and South African institutions of higher learning, noting that they complement broader parliamentary and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
The engagement also highlighted RUDN University's expanding cooperation with South African universities. The University currently has four formal cooperation agreements with the University of South Africa (UNISA), the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University and the Durban University of Technology, while discussions are underway to conclude a cooperation agreement with the Tshwane University of Technology.
RUDN University also reported encouraging progress in educational exchanges. During 2026, 35 UNISA students and staff participated in a short Russian language programme, while 33 UNISA students are currently enrolled at the University's Digital Preparatory Faculty. A joint summer school programme involving UNISA and Tyumen State University is also underway. In addition, 240 students at Tshwane University of Technology are participating in introductory Russian language classes as part of efforts to deepen academic cooperation.
The Chairperson further noted RUDN University's longstanding contribution to developing African skills. The Chairperson said these partnerships give practical expression to the vision articulated by Deputy President Paul Mashatile during his recent engagements in Russia, namely that the future of South Africa-Russia relations increasingly lies in cooperation in science, technology, research, innovation and higher education. She noted that expanding collaboration between universities, research institutions and centres of excellence would strengthen the knowledge economy, support skills development and deepen people-to-people relations between the two countries.
The Chairperson reaffirmed Parliament's support for strengthening academic exchanges between South Africa and Russia as part of broader efforts to promote development, innovation and mutually beneficial international partnerships.
The South African delegation comprises NCOP Members of Parliament Ms Sindiswa Masumpa and Ms Sanny Ndhlovu, as well as National Assembly Members of Parliament Mr Mogodu Samuel Moela and Mr Imraan Ismail Moosa.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries:
Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
Arrange a tour