Musicals, art exhibitions, a tour of French culture and a French chef were on the menu at the French Day celebrations held at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson Campus, last week (1 October 2014).

The event was organised by the International Education and Partnerships (IEP) Directorate with the aim of promoting existing Franco-South African collaborations, strengthening links between the two countries’ vivid scientific communities and promoting student exchanges.

Elisabeth Barbier, French Ambassador to South Africa; Professor Ahmed Bawa, DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Eric Apelgren, Head of International and Governance Relations at the eThekwini Municipality and Stephanie Leszkiewicz from Réunion, a French island located in the Indian Ocean, were among the guests.

The DUT Choir opened the event by melodious performances of the South African national anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika and La Marseillaise, the French national anthem. Ambassador Barbier said that the celebration of French day marked a growing mutual relationship between France and South Africa in fields of scientific research, education, economics as well as safety and security.

Students attending the event acquired knowledge about student exchange programs and study opportunities in France and Réunion. Chrisna Bekker, University Co-operation Officer at the French Embassy in South Africa said she was proud to have facilitated partnerships with DUT as students on the exchange program were successful in French universities.

Acapella singers from the Department of Drama and Production Studies entertained guests with traditional South African and French music pieces.

Students attending the event also got the opportunity to experience French culture with a three course lunch prepared by Master Chef Jean-Paul Videau and students from the Department of Hospitality at DUT.

French speaking DUT international student from Congo, Michael Minga, said French day was important to French students and DUT as it served as a platform for cultural exchange. He said it was not difficult to study at DUT, which uses English as the language of learning, because of ongoing programs to accommodate international students at the university.

Guests got the opportunity to network during a closing celebration concert held at the Ritson Hall featuring Dj Set with Labelle from Réunion.

-Gift Nyamapfene

Pictured: French Ambassador to South Africa, Elisabeth Barbier, French Scientific Attaché at the French Embassy, Dr Pierre Lemonde and DUT Media, Language and Communication Department Head, Dr Lolie Makhubu.