Mario's Passion for Mandarin is Taking Him From Cloetesville to China!

Photo Credit: Laerskool Rietenbosch / Rietenbosch Primary via Facebook

Mario Jooste’s passion for Mandarin and heartfelt speech, “How Chinese Changed My Life”, earned him a stunning first-place victory at the 5th Chinese Bridge South African Finals and the opportunity to represent the country in China!

Cloetesville, South Africa (04 September 2025) – From the small community of Cloetesville, Grade 6 Laerskool Rietenbosch prodigy, Mario Jooste, is heading to China! This incredible opportunity comes after an impressive run at the 5th Chinese Bridge South African Finals for participating primary schools.

Beaming with pride and excitement, his school recently shared about the young pupil’s achievement of being crowned a South African national champion in the prestigious competition.

Mario impressed judges with his heartfelt speech How Chinese Changed My Life and a dazzling performance of Song of the Snow Dragon, winning him first place and the chance to represent South Africa on the international stage in China this month.

Mario’s schoolmate, Lyle Zimry, also competed in the competition, securing second place.

According to his radio interview with MFM 92.6, Mario’s journey started in the school’s Chinese Club, which is run in partnership with the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU), where learners from Cloetesville are introduced to the Chinese language and culture.

This wasn’t his first rodeo, as Mario previously participated in the competition back in 2023.

“I wasn’t as nervous this time. I was very happy and proud when they said I had won,” he told Eikestad Nuus.

Mario is known for his Mandarin and says people often stop him in the neighbourhood and ask him to say something in the complex foreign language.

As he prepares for an international run in the competition, Mario is excited to see the Great Wall of China and is grateful for the support he’s received from his family and teachers.

At such a young age, Mario has shown how dedication and community support can open up a world of opportunities, proving that talent knows no bounds.

We are all rooting for this young prodigy as he takes on the world!