First African Francophone Awards a success
MIDRAND - South Africa successfully hosted the African Francophone Awards at a glittering event held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
Being the first of its kind, the event recognised excellence in various disciplines among the 23 French-speaking countries in Africa and is set to become an annual feature. Award categories included sport, arts and culture, research and professional services which were adjudicated by a panel of judges selected from five African countries.
In partnership with the Chad embassy, the awards were also aimed at strengthening international relations and facilitating cultural exchange between South Africa, as an English-speaking state and its Francophone counterparts on the African continent.
Programme directors for the evening were the ever-capable MetroFM DJ, Kgopedi oa Namane, accompanied by Jacques Kouakou Faran of Channel Africa.
Among the dignitaries were top government and business representatives from South Africa, China and the Francophone countries.
International music acts featured uMoja, who provided an electric performance throughout the night, as did the eccentric Yulele DeJoburg. Additional Francophone artists who performed on the night included popular and renowned artists such as Mounira, Presi Jet Zulu, Dombodja and Monique Seka from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The calibre of candidates that were nominated and received awards in each category was high and shows that Africa can produce international quality talent in various disciplines” said Mahamoud Adam-Bechir, Chad’s ambassador to South Africa.
The event also marked the end of Francophone Week where French-speaking Africans celebrated their heritage.
