Since its inception, the French Institute has developed three main domains of expertise: paleosciences, history, art history and heritage, social and political dynamics in contemporary African societies. Our mission is to encourage and subsidise collective or individual scientific projects through annual calls for proposals. We have a diverse range of partners in both South Africa and France who support us in our efforts. Large organisations like universities, institutes and research organisations, as well as partner journals like Revue Afriques and Justice Spatiale / Spatial Justice are all part of our partner network.

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Decentralised Co-operation

Local cooperation

Local cooperation is based on partnerships between French authorities (regions, departments, inter-municipalities, districts) and foreign authorities, involving human exchanges and relationships of trust. It is a pillar of French external action.

Based, above all, on the exchange of good practices, know-how, institutional support and training, local cooperation:

  • encourages the opening up and attractiveness of territories by promoting the economic, tourist and cultural influence of local authorities;
  • responds to a duty of international solidarity and development aid;
  • enables French and foreign local authorities to work towards the sustainable transformation of our societies by participating in the implementation of sustainable development objectives (SDOs) while promoting innovation, inclusion and social cohesion;
  • enhances the expertise of local authorities representatives/territorial agents, particularly on governance issues and the management of public services to citizens;
  • enables the population to become involved in its diversity, through shared initiatives with civil society organizations and by promoting mobility.

Local cooperation projects are partly financed by French local authorities. Numerous co-financing opportunities can be mobilised, both in the territory involved and through the DAECT, the AFD (FICOL) or the European Union.

For more information on decentralised cooperation, see the Operational Guide to Decentralized Cooperation.

Local co-operation

Local cooperation in South Africa

Local cooperation is well integrated into French practices, with more than 10,000 partnerships and twinning arrangements carried out by 4,700 local authorities with 8,100 partner foreign authorities in 134 countries.
In South Africa, many local cooperation projects have been set up since the 1990s.

  • Cooperation between the Bourgogne Franche Comté region and the Western Cape province celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020. Initially focused on bilateral exchanges in the field of winemaking for professionals from previously disadvantaged communities, this partnership has greatly diversified, with projects in the field of training, innovation and the dairy industry, among others.
  • Collaboration has also developed between the Réunion National Park (PNR) and the South African national parks SANParks since 2019.

Among the cooperation projects that have been completed to date are the following:

  • the Ile-de-France region and the province of Gauteng (urban development – transport, tourism, economic development, etc.)
  • the Reunion Island region and the KwaZulu-Natal province (cultural exchanges)
  • the Val de Marne department and the city of Johannesburg (social housing and management of early childhood services) the cities of Nantes and Durban (urban development, human rights and culture) or more recently between the Lille European metropolis and the city of Johannesburg (urban regeneration and territorial development).

Local cooperation remains a little-known instrument for South African local authorities and has great potential. As highlighted during the seminar “Developing cooperation projects in English-speaking Africa” organized by the DAECT, many avenues of cooperation could be developed, particularly in the water and sanitation sector, in terms of transition of the local economy (such as the conversion of mining regions), but also on climate strategy and resilience to climate change or innovation.

What support for French local authorities?

Since the beginning of decentralisation in France in 1992, the State has encouraged and supported the development of the international action of local authorities, whose action is complementary to its own, as stated in the white paper “Diplomacy and Territories” published in 2016 under the aegis of the National Commission for Decentralized Cooperation (CNCD).

The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and its dedicated department, the Delegation for the External Action of Local and Regional Authorities (DAECT), support the implementation of the external action of local and regional authorities through three-year, bilateral or thematic calls for projects, taking into account the geographical and thematic orientations of the State’s development policy and the areas of excellence of local authorities.

In close cooperation with the DAECT, the embassy supports French local authorities in the setting up and monitoring of their local cooperation projects:

  • Advice to local authorities wishing to establish a partnership with a South African local authority, support in identifying partners and themes, putting them in touch with each other;
  • Promotion of French local authorities to South African stakeholders;
  • Follow-up and support for ongoing decentralised cooperation projects.
Key Partners

The French Institute has a range of successful partnerships with educational and research institutions, non-governmental organisations, governmental organisations, cultural organisations and esteemed multinational organisations. We are committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with partners who provide a vital mutual transfer of ideas and support to help us reach our shared cooperation goals between France, South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi. Partner with us today.

Connect with us

If you would like to partner with us, please send us a message using the form below:

Get in touch Partners
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French Institute of South Africa

French Institute of South Africa
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French Institute of South Africa

3 months ago

French Institute of South Africa
This one is for the African Animators!The annual 48-hour November Numerique Animation Jam is back for the 2022 edition Be a part of this pan-African event that will take place from 18 - 20 November 2022. Apply NOW before 12 November 2022 & get access to coaching from industry experts as you create a short film Register here: bit.ly/3T9RGNs For more info email: animation@tshimologong.joburgTshimologong Precinct Embassy of France in South Africa Gobelins, l'école de l'image - Page officielle ... See MoreSee Less

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Cultural agency of the Embassy of France in South Africa. Organises artistic events throughout the country all year round. Facebook @IFASculture

French Institute of South Africa
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JoburgFilmFestJoburg Film Festival@JoburgFilmFest·
8h

As a film lover, anticipation is the most important skill - not where the action takes place, but when it is going to take place.

One day remains until the most anticipated event of the year - The 2023 #JoburgFilmFestival

Have you purchased your #JFF2023 ticket?

Reply on Twitter 1620052312239771649Retweet on Twitter 16200523122397716492Like on Twitter 16200523122397716494Twitter 1620052312239771649
IF_SouthAfricaFrench Institute of South Africa@IF_SouthAfrica·
10h

Joburgers can look forward to the upcoming @JoburgFilmFest in various parts of the city from 31 Jan-5 Feb!

Join a rich & diverse program of screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions & workshops facilitated by industry and subject matter experts.

🎟️https://tinyurl.com/2pnfymva

Reply on Twitter 1620027886341332993Retweet on Twitter 16200278863413329931Like on Twitter 16200278863413329933Twitter 1620027886341332993
Novembre Numérique - Animation Jam 2021
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w__E6MKBGnj8o
This year’s Fête de la Musique was celebrated in Johannesburg in four venues: Newtown Junction, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Alliance Française Johannesburg, and Victoria Yards. Strict COVID-19 protocols were observed in each location. Video©: Earl Abrahams
Johannesburg Fête de la Musique - 2021
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_8uCBcUklybs
IQOQO – Collection/ to collect in Zulu The French Embassy and the French Institute in South Africa (IFAS) initiated in 2020 IQOQO, a reference platform of the Creative and Cultural Industries in South Africa, with an initial focus on the museum and fashion sectors. The idea of IQOQO is to offer a digital platform and a tool that can be used by local/ international audiences and professionals who want to gain a full understanding of how these industries are structured, who the relevant players are, and what kinds of projects those players could be contacted for.
IQOQO
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_qN8vHhYnA3Q
Anathi Hadebe tells you more about his project "Abalali". #animation #Africa
BRIDGES - Meet the Talents - Anathi Hadebe
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_07S--OEJicI
Cécile Blondel is the Head of International Development for Gobelins School and was part of the mentoring team with Aïda Del Solar on Bridges. More about the mentoring team: * Cécile Blondel After spending 5 years in the audiovisual industry as a special effects artist specialized in prosthetics for cinema and theatre, Cécile studied and worked in the field of history of art. From 1989 to 1995 she was a lecturer in Cultural History and associate researcher. She taught at La Sorbonne and Science Po, Paris. From 1995 she taught as a lecturer in French and European Art and Cultural History at the University of St Andrews in Scotland and then for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. She has been the Head of International Relations at Gobelins since 2012, where she is in charge of the International Programmes: Summer Schools and Master of Arts in Character Animation. * Aïda Del Solar, Scriptwriting Expert Graduated from ENSad (Cinema & Animation) and La Femis (Scriptwriting), Aïda del Solar has been coaching visual storytelling for animation and cinema for more than 20 years. She works all around the world with directors, productions and studios, cultural institutions and prestigious schools – like Gobelins, Supinfocom (Rubika), Ensad, Université Paris 8, The Animation Workshop & Unesco IFPC… Aïda’s goal is to help to find the strongest foundations inside each author’s project. The creative process will emerge from their first idea, thanks to motivated information, short writings and gestures. Then the emotional seed will sprout and grow, carrying a strong identity, genuine personality and universal empathy. #animation #Africa
BRIDGES - Meet the Team - Cécile Blondel
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_2JDN7ONnRTg
Erika Denis is the Head of Music, Film and Media for the French Embassy in South Africa, which is Producer of Bridges' pilot "Red Ants" More about her: During the last 20 years, Erika Denis has been developing her career in the television, film industry and digital media markets in both private and public sector. She has undertaken the positions of producer, line producer, international development executive, audiovisual senior manager and consultant, targeting the international sector with a particular focus on Africa, Europe and Canada. She has built an extensive network of strong relationships with broadcasters, platforms, accelerator, clusters, financiers, festivals, markets, producers, funding bodies, studios, talents, schools and governments representatives. She is currently the head of films, media and Music for the French Embassy in South Africa and its cultural agency the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS). IFAS is a platform for cooperation, encouraging cultural diversity and exchanges between South Africa, France and the rest of the African continent. #animation #Africa
BRIDGES - Meet the Team - Erika Denis
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_47OdOikBBT0
Isaac Mogajane is the Executive Producer on Bridges. More about him: Isaac is a co-founder of Diprente, a Johannesburg based production company that creates and produces television series and feature films. Over the 12 years that Diprente has been operational, the company has produced series such as the Emmy nominated series, Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, the award-winning Bantu Hour with Hugh Masekela, the first African Netflix Original series, Queen Sono, as well as the feature films, Catching Feelings, Matwetwe and Blitz Patollie. Driven by his love of animation, Isaac spearheaded the creation of Diprente Junior, a company dedicated to producing authentic animated series and films that represent modern day Africa in an honest and well-rounded way. Diprente Junior currently has projects in development and production with numerous studios and networks all around the world. #animation #Africa
BRIDGES - Meet the Team - Isaac Mogajane
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_d2KEQgPBNbc
Lesego Vorster is the Line Producer on Bridges, he is responsible for assembling the team, ensuring the standard is maintained and that deadlines are met. More about him: Lesego Vorster was born and raised in Diepkloof Soweto. He studied Fine Arts at Wits University and completed his Masters at Gobelins l’Ecole de l’Image in Paris, France before returning to head up the animation department at Tshimologong Digital Precinct as well as revive his own studio called The Hidden Hand Studios. His goals are mainly focused on having world class animation coming out of the continent and stresses the importance of pushing the Authentic African Aesthetics in everything he is involved in, from his teaching practice to his own work. #animation #Africa
BRIDGES - Meet the Team - Lesego Vorster
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_ZVzDvjV-d-g
Mogau Kekana tells you more about the pilot of BRIDGES, his movie "Red Ants". Synopsis: Khaya, a young man working as a red ant (a South African eviction enforcer) has a particularly bad day when he is forced to evict an old man who would rather die than leave his home. About the creator: Mogau Kekana is a concept and storyboard artist based in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. His work is can be described as contemporary and afro-centric, as it is mostly inspired by the stories, cultures, and aesthetics he grew up with. In 2020, he worked as a storyboard artist on the 1st African Netflix original animated series “MAMA K’s SUPER 4” and is currently doing his Masters in animation and film making at School of Images - GOBELINS. #animation #Africa
BRIDGES - Meet the Talents - Mogau Kekana
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_Z3c69-c67JQ
Nompi Vilakazi tells you more about her project "Gumboot Ants". Synopsis: Tap, a little pre-teen ant, wants nothing more than to be recognised as a great gumboot dancer. But being scrawny and a head shorter than all the other dancers makes that a near impossible feat. Physically, he just can’t get into the space, until he discovers some rusty coke bottle tops and he attaches them to the bottom of his gumboots. This instantly gives his gumboots a loud tap and he eventually gets everybody’s attention. About the creator: Nompi Vilakazi is a screenwriter of both animation and live action content. She has experience in television drama series and as a Script Development Executive she has worked across genres such as drama, telenovela and animation. Her filmography includes editing credits from the cutting rooms of numerous feature films and Nompi is currently producing an animated pre-school series as well as a live action family movie. #animation #Africa
BRIDGES - Meet the talents - Nompi Vilakazi
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_DlZQgM5bbOw
Sithembiso Mpehle, from Dipopaai Studios, tells you more about his project "Zama". Synopsis: Zama is a heartwarming tale about a budding entrepreneur and her street-wise hustler, Gogo, who outsmarts greedy corporate developers and an alien to save their community of street venders in a future South Africa. About Dipopaai Studios: Hellbent on producing animated content for Africans by Africans, the progressively expanding Dipopaai animation team, founded by Sithembiso Mpehle and Kearatwa Sedidi, were recognised the 2019 Mail&Guardian Young South Africans list. Dipopaai maintains an unquestionable conviction to create African animation that appeals to a global market. #animation #Africa
BRIDGES - Meet the Talents - Sithembiso Mpehle
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_qchrlYxClgg
BRIDGES is an initiative to create opportunities for emerging African talents in animation. Established by IFAS (Institut Français en Afrique du Sud) in partnership with GOBELINS, Diprente and Tshimologong Precinct, the series will be made up of ten original short films of one-minute each, and ultimately develop a library of compelling, entertaining films that contribute to the growth and development of the local animation industry. "RED ANTS", the first short film of the series, will premiere at the Festival international du film d'animation d'Annecy #animation #Africa
BRIDGES, THE AFRICAN ANIMATION SERIES - TRAILER
YouTube Video UCESr5A1XG6BN1tHPvIixn6w_u3LuPy9b7AE
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