VINCENT Frontczyk has joined Alliance Francaise Durban as the new director.
Vincent, who has only been living in Durban for a month, said he has already been very busy at Alliance Francaise and has big plans for the organisation.
“There is lots to do. I am busy making a lot of crucial partnerships, especially academic partnerships, as we work with a lot of people in Durban as well as schools and universities. I need to have a good view of the cultural environment in the city,” he said.
Vincent is from Lella in the north of France and holds a diploma in international cooperation. He has worked in the Alliance Francaise network in Bolivia, South America, which he said is a very nice country with an interesting culture.
He worked for two years in Ethiopia where became familiar with Africa.
He has also worked as a civil servant for municipalities in Roubaix, France, in the International Relations Department.
“I worked in the champaigne region as director of a cultural centre just before coming to South Africa. I am very interested in international relations, culture and languages,” he said.
Vincent speaks English, Spanish, Italian and French. He said he hopes to learn bit of isiZulu while in Durban.
“Durban is a very nice city. It is big and full of opportunity. I have found it to be a dynamic, cultural place. It also has very warm people, an interesting mix of cultures with Indian, South African and isiZulu people,” he said.
He hopes to continue to develop Alliance Francaise while in Durban as it is the bridge between France and South Africa and other French-speaking countries in Africa.
“I would also like to develop our French classes more as it is a very important language in Africa. It is estimated that in 2050 more than 80 per cent of French speaking people will be in Africa,” he said.
Since he has been in Durban, he has started a new partnership with Durban University of Technology and their Courtyard Theatre and the Drama and Production Department.
Vincent is 33 and is married to Cecila, who is also enjoying her time in Durban.
His hobbies include cinema, music, and he enjoys running and football.
