About
Welcome to the Alliance Française of Port Elizabeth
“Learn more than just a language”
1960
Year of foundation
5th
Largest Alliance Française in South Africa
830+
Alliances worldwide
5
languages : French, English, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Portuguese
Who we are?
Founded in 1960, the Alliance Française of Port Elizabeth is a non-profit, independent, apolitical and secular organisation dedicated to the promotion of the French language and Francophone cultures in South Africa.
It is part of a worldwide network of over 830 Alliances Françaises, recognised and sponsored by the French government.
Since 1990, The Alliance Française of Port Elizabeth has been located in a beautiful Victorian house in Richmond Hill, a vibrant neighborhood filled with cafés and restaurants. It’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in French culture and learn a new language in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Accessible, intercultural, dynamic, and certified – more than a school, we are a Francophone community in Gqeberha, connected to the world.
Our activities
Language Teaching
We offer high-quality French language courses for all levels, designed to meet academic, professional, and personal goals.
We also offer courses in English, isiXhosa, Portuguese and Afrikaans, supporting multilingual communication and cultural diversity.
Official Certification Centre
As an accredited center for DELF/DALF and TEF exams, we provide internationally recognized certifications for education, career advancement, and migration purposes.
Resource Centre
Our welcoming library and reading spaces cater to both adults and children, complemented by online catalogs and digital tools for easy access to learning materials.
Cultural Hub
From exhibitions, concerts, film nights, and literary workshops to book clubs, cooking classes, and wine-tasting experiences, we host engaging activities that spark curiosity and foster connection.
Venue Rental
Our venue offers a warm, cultural atmosphere with a touch of French charm, ideal for meetings, workshops, exhibitions, and concerts.
Why choose us ?
High-quality language instruction delivered by native, experienced teachers trained in France, ensuring academic excellence and authentic learning.
An open and welcoming community for all ages – from toddlers to seniors – fostering learning through sharing, diversity, and connection.
A unique immersion combining language learning, cultural exchange, and meaningful human connections beyond the classroom.
Members of our committee
Alliance Française of Port Elizabeth
PRESIDENT: Ismahane Meliani
VICE-PRESIDENT: Deirdre Moser
TREASURER: Andre Crozier
SECRETARY: Tobela Pemba
Other members
Ted Burke
Ian Copley
Siobhán Huson-Bird
Maureen Klos
Miranda Kopele
Steve Taylor
Monique Victor
Honorary Consul of France:
Lorien Pichegru
Honorary Member:
Gérald Henderson
Accessible, intercultural, dynamic, and certified – more than a school, we are a Francophone community in Gqeberha, connected to the world.
The Foundation of the Alliances Françaises
The Alliance Française is the world’s largest cultural network, dedicated for over a century to promoting the French language and culture beyond France’s borders. It operates as a global network of independent, non-profit associations that are apolitical and non-denominational, all united under the Fondation des Alliances Françaises.
- History & Mission
Founded in 1883 by prominent figures such as Jules Verne and Louis Pasteur, the Alliance Française was created to ensure the influence of French language and culture worldwide. Today, it not only promotes French but also fosters dialogue between Francophone and local cultures, standing for cultural diversity as an alternative to uniform globalization.
- Vitality & Growth
Its success lies in strong partnerships with local communities, sponsors, and the French State, as well as its commitment to linguistic and cultural activities. With over 6% annual growth in student enrollment and new chapters opening worldwide, the Alliance Française remains both modern and timeless.
THE FONDATION OF THE ALLIANCES FRANÇAISES
The Fondation of the Alliance Française is the moral and legal reference for Alliances Françaises. To be formed, an Alliance needs recognition from the Fondation through an approval of its statutes. The Fondation Alliance Française is a recognized public body. It was created in July 2007 and became separate from the Alliance Française of Paris.
