French week
An annual FRENCH PRESENCE IN KZN programme runs in the week the closest to the 1 June – the date on which the Prince Imperial lost his life in an ambush in the closing stages of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. The FRENCH week ends at the Prince Imperial monument and during the commemorative ceremonies wreathes are laid at the Prince’s monument and at the tombs of the two soldiers killed with him. The Zulu guide, also killed at the same time, some 500 metres away, does not have a memorial, as yet. The Zululand soil bears his memory.
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US!
La Route du Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon
30th Anniversary Commemorations
54th Anniversary of the Alliance Française, Pietermaritzburg
188th Anniversary of Pietermaritzburg
143rd Anniversary of the International Alliance Française Movement
218th Anniversary of the birth of the Emperor Napoléon III (20 April 1808 – 9 January 1873)
200th Anniversary of the birth of the Empress Eugénie (5 May 1826 – 12 July 1920)
170th Anniversary of the birth of the Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon (16 March 1856 – 1 June 1879)
147th Anniversary of the Anglo-Zulu War & the death of the Prince Impérial
126th Anniversary of the Anglo-Boer War
107 years signing of the Peace Treaty of Versailles to end First World War
87 years since the start of the Second World War
15th Anniversary Msunduzi Pietermaritzburg Tourism Association
French/Francophone Presence in PMB/KwaZulu-Natal
33rd Anniversary Celebrations
A Cultural Tourism Research Development Project For Communities’ Benefit
Artist: Paul Jamin Courtesy of the Voortrekker/uMsunduzi Museum
NB: 5 MAY 2026: 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF THE EMPRESS EUGÉNIE, MOTHER OF THE PRINCE IMPÉRIAL, LOUIS NAPOLÉON.
The actual “Route Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon” (launched 1 June 19996) is in fact, the pilgrimage route of the grieving mother who came out in 1880 to follow in the footsteps of her only child.
FRANCOPHONE & FRANCOPHILE EVENTS 2026
PIETERMARITZBURG
ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION WITH WILLING PARTNERS & CHANGES IF THE WEATHER & CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATE!
- 11H00 – 12H00 Saturday 23 May 2026 Project Gateway Hall
Empress Eugénie/ Prince Imperial AFRICA DAY – A Francophile, Francophone Fashion Frenzy!
A FUND RAISER FOR GATEWAY SCHOOL OF FASHION!
The famous Gateway School of Fashion struts the boardwalk with the celebrated models from Irene’s Model Agency
The acclaimed Chistlehurst Academics & Arts’ famous CANCAN!
R 20.00 any further donation per person to support the GSF!
- 11H00 – 12H00 Sunday 24 May 2026 Tatham Art Gallery
THE THREE GRACES!
Celebrating the Empress Eugénie, a nineteenth century patronne of the Arts, Rosa Bonheur, the internationally renowned French artist, Ndlovukazi Ngilande from the CVA, UKZN, PMB whose exhibition opening we are celebrating, the women of Africa and our celebration of our heritage!
Exhibition opening celebration over a cuppa!
Umemulo ka Ndlovukazi COMING OF AGE exhibition will run from 24 May to 30 August 2026
Ndlovukazi is the 2025 Absa l’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award winner and we are privileged to host her exhibition! We wish her well during her sojourn at la Cité internationale des arts in Paris!
(https://frenchinstitute.org.za)
NB: a note on the Empress Eugénie – Glenn Flanagan
A note on Rosa Bonheur and “The Bull” sculpture in the Tatham Art Gallery’s collection – Pinky Madlabane-Nkabinde & Naledi Maboëe
Enjoy the displays in the Gallery & take note of some of the items in the French Collection!
Dust off your berets, put a “musette” or “rumba” note in your step, perhaps a little, “joie de vivre” in your heart, sing along with Edith Piaf (Non, rien de rien, je ne regrette rien), and come and join other Francophiles/ Francophones in a morning of bonhomie & avant garde artistic inspiration!
RSVP for the exhibition to WhatsApp 082 677 9997 & the Tatham Art Gallery 033 392 2801
3. 11H00 Monday 25 May 2026 Centre for Visual Arts Lecture Theatre (entrance Ridge Rd), UKZN, PMB
RSVP : pmb.alliancefrancaise@gmail.com
Georges Lory is in town! A rare chance to engage with this multi-talented former diplomat.
French Footsteps in Contemporary South African Fiction
Georges Lory joins us as part of the celebrations surrounding PMB’s FRENCH WEEK, an initiative of the project “French Presence in KZN”. His visit forms part of a literary tour to promote Capturer le vent, an anthology of works by Breyren Breytenbach translated into French by Lory.
Georges Lory was cultural advisor in South Africa from 1990 to 1994, and participated to the country’s democratic transition. Between 1998 and 2008, as Director of International Affairs of Radio France Internationale, he increased the number of its FM relays in the world from 76 to 169. From 2009 to 2013, he led the general delegation of the Alliance Française in Southern Africa.
He has written three volumes of poetry (including one in Afrikaans), edited a book published by Autrement on South Africa, translated poets including Breyten Breytenbach, Antjie Krog and Lebo Mashile, novels and short stories by Nadine Gordimer, 1991 Nobel Laureate, texts by JM Coetzee, André Brink and Kopano Matlwa, as well as the Dutch writer Adriaan van Dis. He is the author of four books, mainly on South Africa.
https://www.alliance-editeurs.org/georges-lory-member-of-the-general,985?lang=en
(NORMALLY on the Monday, we have a guided visit to the Prince Imperial Exhibition in the national uMsunduzi Museum
THE MUSEUM IS NOT OPEN YET, AS IT IS GOING THROUGH MAJOR RENOVATIONS)
4. 10H00 Tuesday 26 May 2026 The Chapel, Project Gateway
Cultural Tourism Development For Communities’ Benefit, through People’s Stories (the case of the Empress Eugénie & the Prince Imperial). Grades 7 A &B. The public is welcome!
5. 18H00 for 18H30 Tuesday 26 May 2026 Auditorium, Tatham Art Gallery
FILM CLUB : all cinéphiles follow very “Frrench” trends! R 50.00 pp.
This year’s choice: Petite Maman – un film de Céline Sciamma
Join us for a glass of cheer and a nibble – BYB & plate for the bonhomie before the film and relax into “cinéphile joie de vivre”!
6. 11H10 – 12H00: Wednesday 27 May 2026
Maritzburg Christian School
Cultural Tourism Development for Communities’ Benefit, through People’s Stories (the case of the Empress Eugénie & the Prince Imperial & King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo)
7. 10H30 Thursday 28 May 2026
Guided visit to St Mary’s Catholic Church – the most Gallic church in South Africa
Michael Lambert: A guided tour of the French stain glass windows of St Mary’s Catholic Church (1927-1928), Pietermaritzburg
The St Mary’s interior is indeed the most Gallic of all church interiors in South Africa and a very significant example of the French Presence in Pietermaritzburg
|
Michael Lambert was Senior Lecturer in Classics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg) where he taught Greek, Latin, Classical Civilization, Spanish and Gender Studies (1980-2012). Since retirement, he has lectured at UCT and Rhodes University, where he is currently a Research Associate in the School of Languages and Literatures. Author of The Classics and South African Identities (Bloomsbury/Bristol Classical Press, 2011), he has also published work on comparative ancient Greek and traditional Zulu ritual, on gender and sexuality in antiquity, and on Greek and Latin literature. Former chairperson of the Classical Association of South Africa, he has represented CASA at FIEC, the international federation of classical associations, and has delivered papers at many conferences, locally and abroad (e.g. USA, Canada, Germany), and has given the Leventis lecture at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. He directed the University Madrigal Singers at UKZN for more than 30 years and has led many tours to Greece, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and China. He has also performed poetry in English, Greek and Latin, at arts festivals in Grahamstown and Hilton, and has been a regular speaker at French Week symposia and functions since the inception of the French Presence project. |
8. 17H00 for 17H30 to 20H00 Friday 29 May 2026: Tatham Art Gallery
AFRICA DAYS in FRENCH WEEK
Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Msunduzi Pietermaritburg Tourism Association
Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the birth of the Empress Eugénie, a distinct patronne of the Arts in the Second Empire, the 170th anniversary of the birth of the Prince Imperial
Enjoy the exhibition of some of the art work of Ndlovukazi Ngilande, Honours graduate of the CVA, UKZN, PMB & 2025 Absa l’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award winner!
Umemulo ka Ndlovukazi: COMING Of AGE
24 May – 30 August 2026
Enjoy the Gallery’s FRENCH COLLECTION, notably the sculpture by Rosa Bonheur, with Pinky Madlabane-Nkabinde & Naledi Maboëe
OUR GUESTS
Our VIP visitors from the French Embassy:
1. The First Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Benjamin Cabouat
2. The Attaché for the French Language & Regional Coordinator for the Alliance Françaises: Mr Johann Robinet
3. The Economic Attaché: Mr Antoine Guérin du Grandlaunay
°our VIP French & Francophone Studies’ visitors from Rhodes University, Makhanda
° Board & members of the MPTA
° Board and members of the Tatham Art Gallery
° members of the Alliance Française, PMB & the French Dpt, UKZN
°Staff & members of performers of Chislehurst Academics & Arts
° Staff and designers of Gateway School of Fashion
° Director & Models of “Irene’s Models”
° PMB Campus students,
° Father Paul Decock. OMI
° Ms Lindsey Ngwenya, DUO LINGO French student par excellence! And the Ngwenya family
9. 09H30 Saturday 30 May 2026: Allard House Chapel
Commemorative Mass for the 200th Anniversary of the birth of the Empress Eugénie
Commemorative Mass for the 170th Anniversary of the birth of the Prince Imperial ….in the first Catholic Church built in KwaZulu-Natal by the French Missionary Order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
Father Paul Decock OMI will be officiating with Father Sebastian OMI
St Mary’s Singers directed by Michael Lambert
Zululand departure, in convoy, after the mass, as usual. Zululand in winter can have changeableweather, so be prepared for the elements!
The Prince Imperial monument on the Battlefields’ Route of Northern KwaZulu-Natal falls within one of the Wards of the Abaqulusi Municipality; it also is within the Hlahlindlela Tribal Area; The KwaZulu-Natal AMAFA & Research Institute is the heritage custodian of the Prince Imperial monument precinct, and the monument is right next to the Phayaphini & uQweqwe communities. We hope that all these years of encouraging the communities to assume the responsibility for their prime cultural, historical destination will pay off! We look forward to being together to welcome guests who will have travelled far to be with us!
Since 1996, when “Route Prince Imperial” was launched by Ray Heron, the then, Chairperson of the Battlefields’ Route Association & Jenny Bustin, President of the French Teachers’ Association of KZN, the programme has continued along these following lines ………
POMEROY
(After mass we leave in convoy, along La Route du Prince Impérial)
10. 14H30+/- Saturday 30 May 2026 Augustinian Convent, Pomeroy
We have tea with the French-founded South African Augustinian Sisters..
(R33 – 145 kms +/- from Pietermaritzburg to Pomeroy. A very scenic road! Takes about 2.5 hours)
If anyone is moved to make a donation to the Sisters for the stirling work they do in their “Home Care” for 550 plus orphans, footballs, netballs and /or bags of maize, rice, etc. would be MOST welcome!
DUNDEE CHEZ NOUS B’nB
11. 18H00 for 18H30 Saturday 30 May 2026
(R33 – 56 kms to Dundee from Pomeroy.Takes some 40 mins)
Soirée française / sud africaine – celebrating Africa and its women especially!
Anyone wishing to dine with us (at OWN COST), in order to engage with our French & local VIPs, please contact CHEZ NOUS B&B (072 779 5949). BYOB !
uQWEQWE – PRINCE IMPERIAL monument precinct
12. 10H00 Sunday 31 May 2026
Commemorative Ceremonies for the Prince Imperial, Louis Napoléon
We also commemorate Trooper Abel, Trooper Rogers & the un-named Zulu Guide
Organisation by the local “Task Team”, community members and our two recently qualified “Tour Guides” Gugu Mncube & Samkelesiwe Msane, under the direction of the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute. The two guides will give a short exposé on the tragic incidents of 1 June 1879.
We would kindly ask anyone attending the ceremonies to donate a small sum to the two Guides for their first official duty!
Anyone attending the ceremonies is also kindly requested to bring 5 litre bottles of water, a bag or two of any kind of fruit to share, and IF the budget can stretch, a football or a netball – for the CHILDREN!
Special Guests-of-Honour from the French Embassy and more:
From the Community Tourism Organisations, from the Nquthu Local Municipality, from the uMzinyathi District Municipality, from the Hlahlindlela Tribal Authority, …….
Abaqulusi Municipality, ……
The KwaZulu-Natal AMAFA & Research Institute ……
DRAFT PROGRAMME
WELCOME: Induna Mbatha
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Councillor Mr Mtshali
PURPOSE OF THE DAY: Dr Dlamuka CEO KZN Amafa
WORD: the Honorable Mayor Mkhwanazi
WORDS OF SUPPORT: (from the other Mayors)
SPEAKER FROM THE FRENCH DELEGATION: The First Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Benjamin Cabouat
PROJECT ORIGINATOR / LEADER: Mme G. Flanagan
INTRODUCTION OF iNKOSI S.W. MDLALOSE: Inyosi
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: S.W. Mdlalose
LAYING OF WREATHES
Prince Imperial: The First Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Benjamin Cabouat
Prince Imperial: iNkosi SW Mdlalose
Trooper Abel: The Attaché for the French Language & Regional Coordinator for the Alliance Françaises: Mr Johann Robinet & Mr Andile Khumalo
Trooper Rogers: The Economic Attaché: Mr Antoine Guérin du Grandlaunay & Mr Mwelela Cele
The Zulu Guide: Mmes Samkelesiwe Msane & Gugu Mncube
DEPARTURE of Visitors
For those returning to Dundee and spending the night there, we would encourage you to book a late lunch at the Miners’ Rest Restaurant, Talana Museum. We have enjoyed delicious Sunday roasts there in the past after the ceremonies and at a most reasonable price!
THE MINERS’ REST: Vryheid Rd, Dundee: 060 926 8269
2027 FRENCH WEEK: Saturday 22 May to Sunday 30 May 2027
2029: ONLY THREE YEARS TO THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANGLO-ZULU WAR of 1879
AZW150
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Our museums must reflect the full spectrum of our society. They must become spaces where all voices are heard – spaces for open dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective memory. As our communities become more diverse, our museums should mirror that diversity.
They must highlight multiple narratives and identities, ensuring that no one is left unseen or unheard. This will enrich our cultural institutions and strengthen the social fabric of KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula
WEEKEND WITNESS NEWS Pg 4 Saturday May 17, 2025
BON ANNIVERSAIRE MPTA! 15 years old!
Samkelisiwe (Samké) Msane: 071 431 8023 / msanesamke2015@gmail.com
Glenn Flanagan
Project leader – French Presence in Pietermaritzburg / KwaZulu-Natal (1993 …….)
Routes Prince Imperial, Louis Napoleon (1996 ….) & King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo (2017 …..)
A cultural tourism research development project for communities’ benefit.
gflanagan@webafrica.org.za / +27 (0) 82 677 9997 www.princeimperialkzn.co.za
Roundup
