On 25 February 2026, the Alliance Française de Pretoria welcomed French author and journalist Kidi Bebey to Hoërskool Menlopark for an inspiring round table with Grade 12 French learners and their teachers.

At the heart of the encounter was her novel Enfin chez moi !, a prescribed text for matriculants across South Africa — and a story that resonated deeply with questions many young people are already asking: Who am I? Where do I belong? What does “home” mean?

A Conversation That Resonated in the South African Context

We posed her a few questions during a brief meeting before the event, in which she reflected on how the meaning of chez moi has evolved throughout her life. Born in Paris to Cameroonian parents, she described how the idea of home shifted over time.

“Chez moi, c’est une notion qui a beaucoup varié dans ma tête… Aujourd’hui, chez moi, c’est l’endroit que moi, je décide d’apprécier… Ça peut n’avoir rien à voir avec la géographie.”

Her reflections resonate strongly with learners in South Africa — a country where identity and belonging are shaped by complex personal, familial and national histories. Bebey herself acknowledged this connection:

“Je serais très contente si mon texte résonnait en eux..”

Literature That Speaks to Real Lives

Speaking about the writing of Enfin chez moi !, Kidi Bebey explained that the novel was born from emotion rather than theory:

“Je suis partie d’une émotion… J’avais l’intention d’évoquer la complexité des identités et le fait qu’on peut être d’ailleurs, vivre quelque part, et se sentir multiple.”

This focus on the richness and multiplicity of identity gave learners a deeper understanding of the novel and of the broader francophone experience.

Bringing Literature to Life

For many learners, the event was a rare opportunity to engage directly with the author of a prescribed text. The conversation was lively and thoughtful, with students asking questions about identity, writing, and the experience of living between cultures.

The round table was moderated by Mienjie Carbonell of Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, who guided a dynamic and accessible exchange between the author, learners and teachers.

The afternoon concluded with a Q&A session, followed by photos and informal conversations, leaving learners inspired and more confident in their engagement with French language and literature.

Strengthening Francophone Education in South Africa

This event formed part of a national initiative led by the French Institute in South Africa, the French Embassy, and the Alliance Française Network of South Africa, reaffirming a shared commitment to promoting French language education and intercultural dialogue.

By creating meaningful encounters between authors and learners, the Alliance Française de Pretoria continues to build bridges between cultures and to bring francophone literature to life in South African classrooms.