On 25 February 2026, Hoërskool Menlopark will host a milestone event for South African francophiles. Acclaimed French author and journalist Kidi Bebey will join Grade 12 French learners and educators for an exclusive round table discussion, organized by the Alliance Française de Pretoria.
Bringing Enfin chez moi ! to Life
The heart of the encounter will be Bebey’s celebrated novel, Enfin chez moi !, which is currently a prescribed text for Grade 12 learners nationwide. Students will move beyond their textbooks to explore the book’s core themes directly with the author:
- Identity and Belonging: Navigating life between multiple cultures.
- The Writing Process: Insights into how Bebey crafts her narratives.
- Cultural Integration: The meaning of “home” in a globalized world.
A National Vision for Language
This event will serve as a key component of a national initiative led by the French Institute in South Africa, the French Embassy, and the Alliance Française Network in Southern Africa. By connecting students with a living author, the program will aim to:
- Strengthen Engagement: Transform language learning from a classroom requirement into a lived experience.
- Foster Dialogue: Use francophone literature as a tool for cross-cultural understanding within the South African context.
- Build Confidence: Encourage students to participate in a high-level discussion moderated by Mienjie Carbonell of Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria.
“Bebey’s visit will highlight the power of literature to act as a bridge between cultures, fostering a deeper curiosity for the French language.”
The afternoon will conclude with an interactive Q&A session and informal exchanges, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of South African linguists.
