Wanu meets 16 Tanzanian students in Johannesburg

JOHANESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA: The Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, has visited the University of Johannesburg, where she met 16 Tanzanian students pursuing various programmes under the Samia Scholarship Extended (SSE) scheme.

Through the sponsorship, Tanzania sent the students to South Africa to pursue undergraduate studies in fields including computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), data science and other science and technology specializations.

The purpose of the Deputy Minister’s visit to the prestigious institution on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) was to engage with the university’s top leadership and explore expanded opportunities for collaboration between Tanzanian and South African universities.

During the visit, she was accompanied by Tanzania’s Ambassador to South Africa, James Bwana, SSE coordinators, and senior officials from the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology.

Upon arrival, the delegation led by Ms Ameir was received by Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, the university’s Vice-Chancellor responsible for research and innovation, alongside other senior officials of the University of Johannesburg.

The visit strengthened academic and scientific ties between Tanzania and South Africa and opened discussions on introducing Kiswahili language programmes at the university.

Earlier this week, Tanzania and South Africa agreed to step up efforts to implement the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in basic education, aimed at promoting the teaching of Kiswahili in South African schools.

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In August 2022, the two SADC member states signed the agreement as part of efforts to promote the language and enhance regional cooperation.

During the meeting, Ms Ameir outlined various measures being undertaken by the Government of Tanzania to improve education, science and technology.

Regarding Article 9 of the MoU, the two leaders emphasized the need for effective implementation of the provision to promote Kiswahili globally and strengthen regional integration through education.

Through the discussions, Tanzania and South Africa agreed to strengthen cooperation in the education sector, including expanding exchange programmes for teachers and experts in education, science, technology and innovation, as well as promoting vocational training.

Other areas include enhancing research programmes, strengthening collaboration between institutions and higher learning institutions, and increasing scholarship opportunities.

The Tanzanian government also expressed its commitment to expanding opportunities for Tanzanian youth benefiting from various scholarship programmes, including the Samia Scholarship.

Both sides further emphasized the importance of advancing joint programmes that foster innovation, technology transfer and improve the quality of education in both countries.