By Joyce Zhao
At just 28 years old, Banele Mathenjwa has made remarkable strides in his professional career, blending advanced financial expertise with cross-cultural insights he gained while studying in China.
Banele, who studied at Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics from 2015 to 2019 on a Chinese Government Scholarship, is now applying everything he learned abroad to his current role at the Bank of China’s Johannesburg branch.
In a recent interview with CMG Media, Banele opened up about how his experience in China shaped his personal and professional life.
“I was always fascinated by technology, and I noticed that many of the devices I took apart and put back together were labelled ‘Made in China,’” he recalled.
Driven by curiosity and ambition, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering at Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics in the bustling city of Nanchang.
While the academic curriculum challenged him to master complex technical concepts, Banele says the cultural immersion was equally transformative.
“China’s rapid modernization blended seamlessly with its traditional architecture, and studying in an international campus allowed me to meet classmates from around the world,” he said.
“Learning Chinese wasn’t always easy, but the teachers were incredibly supportive. It required consistent effort and a commitment to understanding a new perspective.”
Upon returning to South Africa, Banele seized an opportunity to work at the Bank of China in Johannesburg, where his Mandarin skills and familiarity with Chinese corporate culture quickly became invaluable.
His day-to-day work involves bridging communication between Chinese and South African clients, streamlining financial operations, and fostering a more inclusive environment for his colleagues. “I love working here because it’s such a multicultural setting,” he noted. “
We come from different backgrounds, and that diversity is our strength.”
Beyond the office, Banele remains deeply connected to the Chinese culture he came to appreciate. From enjoying Chinese hotpot to playing ping-pong in his free time, he stays linked to the experiences that shaped him abroad.
His family has also caught on to his enthusiasm, with several relatives curious about learning Chinese and exploring the world of possibility it represents.
Looking ahead, Banele believes that the partnership between China and South Africa will continue to deepen, bringing more opportunities for people in both countries.
He points to China’s model of modernization — which balances economic growth with cultural heritage — as a key source of inspiration for South African industries.
“It shows that a country can maintain its unique identity while pursuing innovation,” he said. “That’s a lesson we can all learn from.”
Banele’s journey is a testament to the power of cross-cultural education and the value of global collaboration.
By combining his South African roots with the skills and insights gained in China, he stands at the forefront of a new generation that is not only shaping the local financial sector but also redefining what it means to be an international professional.
*Joyce-Yinan Zhao currently serves as the Acting Bureau Chief and Chief Correspondent of the CMG Johannesburg Bureau. With extensive experience working and reporting across the African continent, she has developed deep insights into the economic, cultural, and social cooperation between China and Africa.
Drawing on her profound understanding of local cultures and her professional journalistic expertise, Joyce-Yinan Zhao is committed to presenting Africa’s authentic voices and remarkable stories to a global audience, while contributing to a broader media platform for China-Africa engagement.
** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL.
IOL Opinion