French Institute

The Cultural and Cooperation Department (SCAC) and the French Institute strive to strengthen the bond between France and South Africa. They’re part of a French cultural network of 131 SCAC and 98 French Institutes all over the world. Attached to the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, these two entities are committed to supporting innovative cultural, scientific, audiovisual, academic, educative and linguistic initiatives. They also provide technical support in the health arena and are dedicated to aiding the actions of South Africa and Lesotho’s civil societies in the areas of governance, human rights, the fight against inequalities and the prevention of gender-based violence. 

Throughout the year, the Institute supports artistic, scientific, linguistic and festival events all over the country and offers a platform for cooperation in the areas mentioned above. Another objective is encouraging cultural diversity and exchanges between South Africa, France and the rest of the African continent. The Cultural and Cooperation Department specifically participates in implementing European policy in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi in competence areas and focuses on environmental and cooperation issues. The actions aim to strengthen student mobility and attract top candidates from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi to France. The SCAC also pilots the network of French schools in South Africa.