Pretoria, South Africa – A group of 44 South Africans are set to represent the country in Japan as part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. The aspiring educators were farewelled at a send-off event hosted by the Japanese Embassy on Friday.
The reception, held at the Embassy in Groenkloof, Pretoria, marked the culmination of a competitive selection process. Ambassador Shigeru Ushio congratulated the participants and highlighted the growing bond between South Africa and Japan.
Ambassador Ushio lauded the participants for their selection and highlighted the growing bond between South Africa and Japan. He described the JET Programme as a bridge connecting the two nations and encouraged participants to be ambassadors for their home country.
“You are not just teachers, but ambassadors,” Ambassador Ushio said, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange. “Japan is eager to learn from you as much as you are from them.”
Ofentse Khuzwayo, a representative of the departing cohort, expressed excitement and shared insights into what South Africans bring to the program. He emphasized the country’s diversity, resilience, and unique cultural heritage as valuable assets in their upcoming roles.
The JET Programme, established in 1987, has seen a steady increase in participants from around the world, including South Africa. The program aims to foster grassroots international exchange through English language teaching and cultural immersion.
The 44 South Africans who departed on Saturday will join participants from other countries for an orientation in Tokyo before dispersing to their respective prefectures throughout Japan.
 Programme. The aspiring educators were farewelled at a send-off event hosted by the Japanese Embassy on Friday.){kind=link}