Save the Date: IFAS Paths to Democracy Forum

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) will be hosting the first regional forum in the ‘Our Future: Africa-Europe Dialogues’ series.

Titled ‘Paths to Democracy’, the forum is a free, accessible to all, and collaborative public programme created with local partners that will focus on the revitalisation of democracy through innovation and creativity.

Please join us from 7 to 8 October 2022 for a variety of discussions, projects and more spread across Johannesburg and Soweto.  

Programme Highlights Include:

More details will follow soon.

We look forward to hosting you! 

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Offre d’emploi: Assistant(e) du/de la COCAC et du SCAC

L’Ambassade de France en Afrique du Sud et l’Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud recrutent son futur/sa future assistant(e) du/de la COCAC et du SCAC

Vous aimez faciliter le travail de vos collègues et êtes un(e) partenaire de confiance ? Vous êtes réactif(ve), organisé(e), discret(e), diplomate et aimez le travail bien fait ? Devenez celui/celle qui accompagne le quotidien de nos équipes de coopération au sein de l’Ambassade de France à Pretoria !

Poste basée à l’Ambassade de France à Pretoria

Contrat à durée déterminée de 10 mois

Période souhaitée de prise de fonctions : début août 2022

Ressortissants / résidents permanents en Afrique du Sud ou candidats en capacité de travailler légalement en Afrique du Sud. Avoir un permis de travail valide est une condition essentielle pour pouvoir candidater. 

Vous retrouverez plus d’informations dans la fiche de poste ici

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Bassline Fest I AM HERE

BASSLINE CONTINUES ITS 28 YEARS OF PLATFORMING BURGEONING TALENT & HOSTING STARS WITH BASSLINE FEST I AM HERE 27 NOVEMBER AT CONSTITUTION HILL

Bassline Fest presents I Am Here featuring Thandiswa Mazwai,  Sampa The Great, Stogie T, Morena Leraba, Moonga K, Laliboi and Ikati Esengxoweni at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on the 27th of November 2021. Tickets are available from Computicket and Howler and  gates open 15:00 and the fest starts at 16:00 and ends at 23:00.

Bassline Fest I AM HERE is presented in partnership with the 4th Music In Africa Conference For Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) and Reeperbahn Festival . ACCES is a pan-African trade event for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent and create business linkages. ACCES is held in a different African city every year, attracting active music industry players from across the globe. This year is Johannesburg’s turn.

Register for ACCES at www.musicinafrica.net/acces .ACCES is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation, a non-profit and pan-African organisation, in partnership with Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut and Reeperbahn Festival International – one of Europe’s largest club festivals.

Sampa The Great, Ikati Esengxoweni and Morena Leraba are presented by ACCES in partnership with Reeperbahn Festival – Europe’s leading club festival. StogieT performance with an all-star jazz band is made possible by SAKIFO Festival from Reunion Island.

“Bassline is excited to announce further alliances to add to the existing partnerships with ACCES, Music In Africa, Reeperbahn Festival, SAKIFO Festival. Castle Lite & Nandos are now also on board for I Am Here.” Says Bassline’s Brad Holmes.

The Bassline welcomes another leader in Arts & Culture support, the French Institute of South Africa and by association, the Paris New York Heritage Festival.  Holmes explains that “The Bassline & the French Institute of South Africa have been involved in collaborative projects for over two decades, spanning from the Melville Jazz Club days, the Concert Hall in Newtown days, the Bassline Live at the Lyric concerts and the annual Festivals. Most notably through the Fete de la Musique, which occurs annually as a “Free Music For All” festival, which the Bassline produces for the French Institute & TOTAL Energies. ”

He adds “Via this process developing talent has the opportunity to platform their music in a quality and professional setting. Many artist’s careers have blossomed after performing at the Fete de la Musique. The Bassline curates much of its talent for their concerts & festivals from the Fete de la Musique. In Fact five out of the seven artists on the Bassline Fest I AM HERE stage will have come through the past number of years’ Fete de la Musique.”

Sophie Boule, Cultural Attaché & Deputy Director of the French Institute of South Africa concurs:

“We are excited to be supporting these fantastic cross-genre talents at the Bassline Fest I AM HERE, especially after the success of Fête de la Musique. We have witnessed the eagerness of audiences to get back to experiencing live music in Johannesburg, and the iconic Constitution Hill is the perfect place to bring people together”.

Set to be a day to remember, the Bassline Fest I AM HERE, will not disappoint. “Envisage this; sunny Jozi day under blue skies at the Parade ground at Constitution Hill, great food, refreshing drinks and of course excellent talent on high quality staging, and we have a welcome addition this year of a dome roof over the stage and main viewing area”  shares Paige Holmes Creative Director of Bassline.

Tickets are R400 Adults & R200 for 12 and under on COMPUTICKET and Howler.

COMPUTICKET

https://tickets.computicket.com/event/bassline_fest_i_am_here/7176689/7176693/6760

HOWLER

https://howler.co.za/basslinefestiamhere

Follow Bassline on Twitter & Instagram, like Bassline on Facebook

For more Bassline info www.bassline.co.za

Register for ACCES at www.musicinafrica.net/acces

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Goût de France /Good France is back for a 6th edition in South Africa

Goût de France /Good France is back for a 6th edition in South Africa as we celebrate French cuisine and our shared passion for gastronomy as part of the international event.

The unprecedented health crisis not only saw the cancellation of the 2020 event, but also placed severe pressure on the restaurant and food industry as a whole.

Supported by the French Embassy in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Cape Town, the 2021 edition in South Africa will aim to promote the revival of the restaurant industry in the country, with a focus on French gastronomy.

From 14 to 22 October 2021, patrons will have the opportunity to experience a taste of France locally and will stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including a return flight to Paris.

The South African edition this year has been made possible thanks to the support of JCDecaux, Air France, Advini, Bridor, L’Oréal and TotalEnergies.

 

To participate in this exciting event and competition, visit one of the restaurants on the list below:

Gauteng:

La Madeleine Restaurant
122 Priory Road, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria
https://lamadeleine.co.za/

La Vie Lente Bistro & Venue
242 Graham Road (M6) Tierpoort Shere, Pretoria East
www.lavielente.co.za

De Kloof Restaurant
Waterkloof Golf Estate, Johan Rissik Drive, Eclipse Rd, Pretoria
https://dekloofrestaurant.co.za/

Whisk Wine Bar
Cnr Nellmapius Dr & Cornwood Ave, Centurion
https://whiskwinebar.com

Prue Leith Culinary Institute
262 Rhino Street, Hennopspark, Centurion
https://www.prueleith.co.za/restaurant/

The Elm Tree
The Syrene Hotel, 28 Wessel Road, Rivonia, Johannesburg
https://thesyrene.co.za/the-elm-tree-restaurant/

Old Ducky French Cafe
Pineslopes Shopping Centre, Corner The Straights Avenue & Witkoppen Road, Fourways, Johannesburg
http://oldducky.com/

Arbour Cafe
64 Wrenrose Ave Birdhaven Johannesburg 2196
www.arbourcafe.co.za

Believe eatery
7 Mackay avenue, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg
http://believeeatery.co.za/our-menu/

Bespokery
66 Tyrone Ave Bespokery, Parkview, Johannesburg
https://bespokery.co.za/

Bellagio Illovo
Unit 1, Oxford Manor,196 Oxford Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196
https://www.bellagiorestaurant.co.za/

Western Cape:

Societi Bistro
50 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
https://societi.co.za

Reverie
226A Lower Main Road Observatory 7925, Cape Town
http://www.reverie.capetown/

Simon’s restaurant
Groot Constantia Road, Groot Constantia Wine Estate
https://www.grootconstantia.co.za/

Le coin Français
17 Huguenot street, Franschoek
https://lecoinfrancais.co.za/

The Vine bistro
Lelie Street, Idas Valley, Stellenbosch
www.glenellyestate.com

Mana Epicure
151 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape town
https://mannaepicure.com/

THE 41
41 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
http://www.the41.co.za

Jonkershuis Restaurant
Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia road
www.jonkershuisconstantia.co.za

Eastern Cape:

Molo Lolo Restaurant & Cooking Schools
Caesar Avenue, Addo
https://www.addoafricanhome.co.za/molo-lolo-restaurant

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Bidding for a better future

14^th September

Art collectors, wine lovers, and people in search of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, can start bidding on a catalogue of items and experiences that will go under the hammer to raise funds for the Tutu Legacy Fund.

The auction, set to take place on 22 September 2021, is part of the Foundation’s 90@90 campaign. The campaign, which began in 2020, aims to raise R90-million over two years for the Tutu Legacy Fund in Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s 90th year, ending on 7 October 2022.

The Tutu Legacy Fund was established to help facilitate the Foundation’s ability to foster a new, inter-generational drive for positive change in Africa and the rest of the world, thereby ensuring that the Archbishop’s legacy of ethical leadership is perpetuated.

“Archbishop Tutu’s principled and courageous leadership gave South Africans hope and courage during apartheid, and it gives us hope and courage today. His example is sorely needed at this complex time in human history,” said Piyushi Kotecha, CEO of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.

Funds raised from the Art for the Arch auction on 22 September 2021 will go towards an exciting new long-term exhibition celebrating the work of Archbishop Tutu, titled Truth to Power, curated in collaboration with the Apartheid Museum, which will open in October 2021. This exhibition forms part of the wider 90@90 campaign.

The hybrid (in-person and online) auction event will comprise two sessions, the first at 3pm, with the main event taking place at 6pm.

From a breakfast with former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba to a print of photographer Jürgen Schadeberg’s famous photograph of Nelson Mandela in his Robben Island cell, this auction has something to offer everyone.

“It’s wonderful to be able to offer such a wide variety of lots in this exceptional auction, and we are honoured to be involved, and we are very grateful to the artists who have donated artworks to the auction,” says Frank Kilbourn, executive chairperson of specialist art dealers Strauss & Co.

Works by renowned artists, such as a new, limited-edition print by William Kentridge are on auction. Roses in Big Glass (2020) is one of a print series of 30 that has an estimated price tag of R100 000 to R150 000. Kentridge is an acclaimed international artist whose work – ranging from etchings to stop-frame video animations – often explores the effects of colonialism on the oppressed.

Cape Town-based artist Barry Jackson’s bronze Dancing Tutu statue will go under the hammer along with Esther Mahlangu’s Ndebele Abstract. Jackson is regularly commissioned to produce full-figure portrait statues of historical figures and has sculpted Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, Oliver Tambo and Louis van Mauritius, a slave in the former Cape Colony who led a rebellion in 1808. Mahlangu is one of South Africa’s most globally recognised artists, whose brightly coloured abstracts explore her Ndebele heritage.

Archbishop Tutu also features in a painting by artist Charles Foley, who was part of a South African team that won the Cannes Lions Grand Prix award. The oil-on-canvas work, titled The Spirit of Joy: Tutu and Dalai Lama (2021), depicts the two spiritual leaders’ famous discussions on joy at the Dalai Lama’s residence in Dharamsala, India, in 2015.

Art lovers looking for something unusual to bid on might earmark Turiya Magadlela’s Ubuhle bakho bufana neLanga (Your Beauty Is Like a Rising Sun). This piece (pantyhose on canvas with acrylic gel sealer) was created in 2018, and is expected to fetch between R80 000 and R120 000.

Other works on auction include Blessing Ngobeni’s Died Digging Gold 1, which has an estimated value of R80 000 to R120 000, Georgina Gratrix’s Ballyhoo Blooms, a colourful piece in oil and glitter on linen, and John Meyer’s landscape, West of Sutherland. Also in the catalogue are Lutanda Zema Luzamba’s Munkoyo, a portrait, and Jake Aikman’s Solace.

These are only a few of more than 100 artworks on auction,that have been donated to the Art for the Arch auction.

Other lots include:

• A fully sponsored stay at a five-star private villa in the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a pristine wilderness of 2 500ha at Gansbaai, near Hermanus in the Western Cape. The reserve is home to 868 known plant species and guests can enjoy a multitude of experiences, from botanical and river tours to ethical cage diving to see sharks. On auction is a stay in one of the reserve’s two private luxury villas for 10 people for two nights, valued at between R150 000 and R260 000
• Rare books, such as a signed first edition of the Archbishop’s God Has a Dream (2004); DIGNITY: In Honor of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, by Dana Gluckstein; and a signed copy of theologian Michael Battle’s Desmond Tutu: A Spiritual Biography of South Africa’s Confessor
• Limited-edition prints of cartoons by Jonathan Shapiro, better known as Zapiro, such as The Hole Truth (3/25)
• Several different lots of La Motte wine and méthode cap classique

“I would like to profusely thank all the artists and other donors who have so willingly offered lots to be auctioned off. You are contributing to the Foundation’s vision for a brighter future for humanity, a worthy cause, ” added Kotecha.

Kotcheka also thanked the Foundation’s auction partner Strauss & Co. “The support they have given has simply been wonderful and a boon in this onerous and fulfilling journey. Our gratitude to them is enormous.”

Special thanks go to Dr Paul Bayliss, senior specialist art curator at the Absa Art Gallery, for assisting with the curation, and to the Embassy of France in South Africa and French Institute of South Africa for marketing the auction to its stakeholders.

Please join us on 22 September 2021. Bidders can register from 15 September 2021 on the Strauss & Co website: https://www.straussart.co.za/

About the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation

Founded in 2013, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation represents one of the world’s most iconic leaders, and his life-long partner. The Foundation strives to ensure their

uncompromised bravery is celebrated, communicated and curated for posterity. Guided by the

values of its founders, the Foundation uses the Tutus’ rich archival heritage to promote learning,

leadership and dialogue. This takes place through research and development, archival

digitisation, museum design and curation, and programmes and events to promote these

values.

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The French Institute gears up for the Cape Town International Animation Festival

In its ninth year, the Cape Town International Animation Festival is back, and the French Institute of South Africa is excited to partner with this renowned festival again to amplify animation talent worldwide.

The French Institute is thrilled to be offering a specially curated programme for everyone to immerse themselves in. Our programme will include a panel discussion with prominent voices from the industry, namely Cécile Blondel, Head of International Relations at GOBELINS School of Visual Arts. With a rich background in the audiovisual sector, cinema and theatre, Blondel will also offer her perspective on the creative process in a workshop focusing on short film making. We are also looking forward to bringing a spectacular drive-in cinema experience for attendees to enjoy the films Le Petit Vampire and La Fameuse Invasion des ours en Sicile from the comfort of their cars. Attendees can also find us on our virtual booth, where they can network with the IFAS team, international industry players and more.

“We are excited to be part of this platform where students, professionals, filmmakers and all-round animation lovers, can come together to exchange ideas. There is no better gathering in South Africa for those who want to understand the animation industry, while connecting with both local and international players. Our support is unquestionable.” ꟷ Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller, Audiovisual Attaché, French Embassy in South Africa.

Meet our team and our collaborators at the festival, and enjoy our programme at the following events: 

October 1

• 7:00 pm: Join us for a screening of Le Petit Vampire at the GoDriveIn Movie & Roadhouse in Salt River. Bookings essential.

October 2

• 12 pm -1 pm: Join us for a screening of Mogau Kekana’s Red Ants.
• 12 pm-2 pm: Join us for a viewing of the best short films produced by African students from GOBELINS – School of Images.
• 1 pm-2 pm: Attend our panel discussion on training opportunities within the animation industry facilitated by the French Institute’s Mélissa Dusart with Isaac Mogajane (Executive Producer, Bridges), Lesego Vorster (Head of Animation, Tshimologong) and Cécile Blondel (Head of International Relations, GOBELIN).
• 7:00 pm: Join us for a screening of La Fameuse Invasion des ours en Sicile at the GoDriveIn Movie & Roadhouse in Salt River. Bookings essential.

October 3  

• 10 am-12:45 am: Join Cécile Blondel for a workshop on the storytelling specificities of making a short film, the economics and evolution of film production, and the role of women in the short film space.

For more information on the festival, tickets and booking details, visit www.ctiaf.com

For press queries contact Ntombenhle Shezi: Ntombenhle.Shezi@frenchinstitute.org.za

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Kabusha Tradi-Contemporary International Dance Festival: Re-imagine. Re-invent. Re-define.

7^th September

In celebration of Heritage Month, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) in association with Sibikwa Arts Centre’s Kabusha Tradi-Contemporary International Dance Festival, present a triple bill of cutting-edge dance pieces on 17 & 18 September 2021. Weaving diverse traditional and contemporary dance cultures, the programme features: Um Segundo ‘One Second’ by Edna Jaime (Mozambique), Iqhawe Elingaphakathi ‘Shadow Pillar’ by Mcebisi Bhayi (South Africa), and Kuzaliwa Upya ‘Reincarnation’ by Thapelo Kotlolo (South Africa).

When the drummers change their beats the dancers must also change their steps.

– African Proverb

Kabusha, a new international dance exchange launching this year, will initiate an immersive experience filled with movement, music, exploration and adventure; promoting cultural cooperation and cross-border exchange. The festival will merge traditional and contemporary dance forms that promote the preservation of our heritage, existing across generations of African dancers, while exploring possibilities to Re-imagine…Re-invent…Re-define…

Dance, as one of the oldest forms of cultural expression, translates spiritual energy to a higher consciousness transcending time, space and reality. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has seen billions of people physically, emotionally and spiritually isolated; dance is able to bring us together, shorten the distance between us…they and them, and rekindle well-being, inspiration and hope at a time of anxiety and uncertainty.

Presenting works that explore and showcase the choreographers’ perceptions of spirituality, ancestral connections and evolving identities; Kabusha promises audiences a moment to appreciate the connections between Afro cultures, interlacing traditional and contemporary dance forms in response to the new norms.

The festival will also offer local dancers a workshop by Edna Jaime, titled Bodies Against Time, which proposes a time of meeting with oneself and with the other, to reflect on the constantly adapting demands on the body and to seek new possibilities of and through movement. Following the workshop, there will be a dialogue on Tradi-Contemporary Dance Views among female choreographers from South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar.

“We are proud to be supporting the Sibikwa Arts Centre’s Kabusha Tradi-Contemporary International Dance Festival, especially during Heritage Month, and we are proud to play our part in supporting the arts which have been devastatingly impacted by the pandemic. We believe that this will be an opportunity to foster meaningful collaborations and curiosity between South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Our hope for each workshop, is for all aspiring dancers to have the chance to explore the world of possibilities available to them through this exciting medium.”

Dates & Target Audience: On 17 and 18 September, performances will target Creative Arts High School learners/Dance Studios and the general public respectively.

• Venue: Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni
• Show Times: 17 September, 14h00 and 18 September, 15h00
• Ticket Price: Students R30; Adults R50
• Food and drinks will be sold on 18 September.
• Workshop: 19 September, 09h00 – 12h00, Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni.
• Dialogue: 19 September, 13h00 – 14h30, Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni.

Entrance to the workshop and dialogue is free, however, space is limited, and interested participants are required to RSVP to secure their space. Workshop participants are also strongly encouraged to watch the performances. Food and drinks will be sold on 19 September.

For Media Enquiries

Lungile Majola: info@sibikwa.co.za | +27 11 422 4359

Sibikwa Arts Centre, Corner Bolton & Liverpool Rd, Benoni.

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