Poland in South Africa

This year, the festival was attended by, among others: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, France, the Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Morocco, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland, Togo and Tunisia. The festival which will end on March 31 2022, includes a series of concerts, film screenings, theatrical performances, conferences, literary meetings as well as educational and linguistic initiatives, illustrating the richness of the cultures of the participating countries.

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland presented an exhibition about Fryderyk Chopin prepared by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in cooperation with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, publications on the tourist attractions of our country, as well as information on scholarship programs and study opportunities in Poland. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria organized a quiz about Poland and Fryderyk Chopin. The competition was very popular. The contestants who answered all the questions correctly received attractive prizes: cups, T-shirts and bags, as well as books about Poland. The Polish dumplings, which introduced the guests to traditional Polish cuisine and Polish flavours, were served at the festival. The Polish stand aroused great interest. Over a thousand people took part in the event.

The Francophonie Festival is not only an occasion to celebrate the French language, but also to remind you that there is a close relationship between languages ​​and cultures and that language is the carrier of culture. It is also an opportunity to recall the values ​​common to OIF countries, such as respect for cultural diversity, defence of democracy and human rights, access to education and sustainable development.

The International Francophone Organization (OIF) which was established in 2005, brings together 57 countries and governments with membership status and 20 observer countries, including Poland. The organization's activities focus on the promotion of the French language and Francophone culture, as well as the promotion of peace, democracy and human rights. The organization actively works to support sustainable development. It places great emphasis on the education of children and young people and equality between women and men, and the maintenance and promotion of cooperation between member states and observers. Poland's participation in this form of multilateral cooperation is conducive to maintaining and strengthening contacts with France and other Francophone countries. It is also a forum for expanding and establishing cultural and economic contacts with distant countries, especially Africa.