The Alliance Française of Soweto opened its doors in 1982 as a new branch of the Alliance of Johannesburg. At that time, it was the first European cultural organisation to settle in Soweto. Even today, it remains the only one.

From the very beginning, the Alliance offered French classes and cultural events. It soon became an independent organisation with its own constitution and committee. In the Eighties, it was also running a training centre called THUPELO where young Sowetans would come to learn wielding, masonry, cooking, sewing, among others.

As a South African non-profit and Public Benefit organisation, our mission is to offer new opportunities for the communities of Soweto and to create connections between French and South-African cultures.

In 1985, the Alliance bought a house in Diepkloof Extension Phase 3, it is still based there today.

Credit image : Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers