On a culinary front, many SA citizens might be interested to know that French fries don’t actually originate in France. What we commonly refer to as chips or slap skyfies were actually first made in Belgium. Granted, the countries are only about 500 kilometres apart, but it’s important to know your favourite dipping snack – complete with tomato sauce or mayonnaise (blame Canada) – are more Belgian than French.
On a geographical note, South Africa’s French connection continues via the towns of Parys and Franschhoek. Based in the Free State, Parys has a remarkable resemblance in name to the capital city of France, Paris. A German surveyor, who was involved in the siege of Paris amid the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, named Parys. He reckoned the quaint Vaal River location was a relevant reminder of Paris along the River Seine. Franschhoek, directly translated from Afrikaans, is French corner.
It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals in the Western Cape. Its original population comprised mainly Khoisan people, but then French Huguenot refugees started arriving in the late 1680s. The French national holiday of Bastille Day is even commemorated and celebrated in Franschhoek, year in and year out, around early July.
“How refreshing it is to join you today in the celebrations of Bastille Day – an event which is as much a part of world history as it is part of French history,” former national president of South Africa Nelson Mandela once said. “Equality and fraternity are deepening their roots in the sweat of millions of South Africans; and the support that the government and people of France so generously rendered us. It gives me joy to see the youth of this country participating in this national day.”
From a sporting perspective, South African rugby fans won’t soon forget that fabled day at Kings Park in Durban, when the Springboks outplayed the French in a soggy and soaked 1995 Rugby World Cup semi-final. Many fans of sports betting back then are now also participants in SA and global lotteries. They check the French Lotto winning numbers regularly. Some of them even use the digits from that semi-final scoreline – 19 and 15.
More recently, South Africa’s French connection has played out via the Lions, who let captain Elton Jantjies join French club Pau as a so-called “medical joker” – effectively a short-term injury replacement. “Elton’s experience will be invaluable for the home stretch of the season,” said Pau president Bernard Pontneau. “He is a player who will bring confidence to the group. His arrival allows us to secure a position impacted by injuries.”
And South African rugby fans, especially those from the Sharks, will fondly remember the days of Thierry Lacroix and Olivier Roumat turning out for the Durban-based franchise. The pivotal flyhalf and hard-hitting lock added depth to the Sharks’ backline and forward resources, respectively. Their French flair was evident throughout a series of key Currie Cup clashes. They paved the way for several other players from abroad to have stints in South Africa.
