Dibukafé hosts a full programme of talks, workshops and exhibitions

Dibukafé has hosted a series of discussions, exhibitions and workshops in recent weeks, reflecting its continued role as a place for cultural exchange in Braamfontein.

On 25 November, the French Embassy and the French Institute of South Africa welcomed Justice Edwin Cameron and Sohela Surajpal for a conversation on their new book Behind Prison Walls. Drawing on French philosopher Michel Foucault’s reflections on systems of discipline, the discussion examined the ways South African prisons can entrench inequality rather than support rehabilitation.

On the same day, Dibukafé also hosted the opening of Keep the Promise / Tenir Sa Promesse, an exhibition developed with Crips Île-de-France and GALA. The exhibition brings together historic and contemporary HIV/AIDS activist materials from South Africa and France, with particular attention to queer and LGBTQIA+ histories. As a patron of GALA Queer Archive, Justice Cameron attended the exhibition opening. The exhibition is open to the public until 13 December, when Dibukafé closes for the festive season, and again from 13 to 24 January 2026. Dibukafé opening hours:

• Tuesday and Wednesday: 09:30 – 18:00
• Thursday: 09:30 – 19:00
• Friday and Saturday: 09:30 – 14:00
• Monday, Sunday, and public holidays: Closed

Épelle-Moi Afrique du Sud held its most recent workshop at Dibukafé on 15 November, where Francophone young people explored themes of identity, belonging and immigration through zine-making. The workshop formed part of a series supported by IFAS, following earlier sessions on 20 September and 4 October that focused on poetry and self-expression, and on drama and performance.

Photos: Top left – Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, H.E. Mr David Martinon, with Director of IFAS, Jean Spiri, Justice Edwin Cameron and Sohela Surajpal. Top right – Zine-making workshop with Épelle-Moi Afrique du Sud. Bottom left – Keep the Promise, an exhibition developed with Crips Île-de-France and GALA. Bottom right – Justice Edwin Cameron during the opening the Keep the Promise exhibition.