The two week cultural event kicks off with each of the countries preparing national dishes to tempt the palates of locals.

The opening of Festival de la Francophonie is on Saturday. The event traditionally pulls about 800 people to the Alliance Francaise in Sunnyside.

Rugby player Flip van der Merwe, who’s learning the language as he prepares to go and play in France and Legion d’Honneur laureate Johnny Clegg are the guests of honour.

Even after the traditional dishes are packed away there is a feast of cultural activities, films, music concerts, debates and lectures to keep the public coming back every night for the ensuing two weeks.

The final event at the Ecole Francaise opposite the French embassy is a concert featuring Senegalese singer Marema

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