GEORGE & KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna could become the home to a fully-fledged French consulate, bringing diplomatic services, cultural ties and business opportunities to the heart of the Garden Route.
That's the vision of Patrick Ceillier, Honorary Consul for the region, who is working to deepen France's presence in the Southern Cape.
Ceillier visited George on Thursday 30 October, when he met with local media, George Mayor Jackie von Brandis and the staff of Country House School to outline the plans for expanding French influence in the area.
"We want to get more action," he said.
"We have about 250 French families living in the Garden Route. Some work for big companies, others own businesses. Many French companies want to establish in South Africa, but haven't yet. I would like to say: 'Please come and visit, collaborate.'"
The first step launches in January with French language classes at Country House School open to children from age four through to adults. The programme aims to build early cultural connections and support the growing French-speaking community.
But the long-term goal is far more ambitious: establishing a friendly, accessible French consulate in Knysna. Having called Knysna home for the past 20 years, Ceillier is uniquely positioned to bridge these two worlds.
He described France as the 'country of human rights' and a symbol of freedom, saying it fits right in with South Africa's ethos.
- Did you know? Some 29 African countries recognise French as an official language, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is home to more French speakers than France itself.
Elsabé Steyn (instructor), Patrick Ceillier (consul honoraire), Rohan Lourens (project manager) and Nadia Graaff, principal of Country House School. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
Elsabé Steyn (instructor), Patrick Ceillier (consul honoraire), Rohan Lourens (project manager), Suné Lourens, Nadia Graaff (principal) and the directors of Country House School, Michael and Bonita Mellon. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
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