History
Goethe-Institut South Afrika

Retrospective
Anniversary Content
Anniversary Events

In the early 1990s, when the end of Apartheid was in sight, but there was still a cultural boycott against South Africa, the Goethe-Institut Harare occasionally established contact with South African's cultural sector and German teacher's associations. In 1995 the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg was esablished, at first within the German faculty of the Wits University and then in rented offices in Rosebank. In the year 2000 we moved to an estate owned by the German state. The walls surrounding this property were torn down in 2009.

After many exciting projects and building a lot of ties with our local partners, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2020!

Retrospective

Anniversary Content

Klaus Krischok's speech at the anniversary celebration

A transcript of the speech given by Klaus Krischok, Regional Director of the Goethe-Institut in Subsaharan-Africa, on 28. Feb. 2020 in the Auditorium of the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg.

Anniversary Videos

The most heart-warming part of a birthday is all the people reaching out to congratulate you.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, videos from all over the world have reached us to do exactly that.

Anniversary Events

Klaus Krischok being interviewed by Classic 1027

On the 1st of March 2020 our regional director Klaus Krischok was interviewed by the "People of Note" Podcast and we wanted to give you a chance to listen to it. Klaus talks about his previous experiences around the world, his work with the Goethe-Institut and how he's settled in South Africa.

Zeitstrahl

International Mother Language Day 2020

Would you like to know how to flirt in French, introduce yourself in isiXhosa or tell someone what’s what in German? Then don’t miss out on our event honouring the International Mother Language Day! We are celebrating languages from South Africa and abroad with a jam packed day of beginners’ language courses, a panel discussion and global food and entertainment.

24.02.2020: Film screening of Almanya

Hüseyin Yilmaz came to Germany from Turkey in 1964, and later brought his wife and children. With warmth and a sense of humour, his granddaughter recounts their family history – whilst the clan is “back home” on holiday. Where their real home is, is a question they are all confronted with.

27.02.2020: Water Birds on the Lake Shore - South African Launch

In 2018, we invited aspiring African writers of all ages interested in writing for Young Adults (13 - 19 years) to submit short in Kiswahili, English or French to be selected for further workshopping and publication.
Renowned South African writer Zukiswa Wanner, who edited the anthology, will read together with Precious Collette Kemigisha from Uganda - Kemigisha’s story “Within The Shadows” is part of the publication.

28.02.2020: 25 Years of Goethe: Ceremony

The evening starts with an official ceremony with German Ambassador Martin Schäfer and a thought provoking panel discussion on our role and history in South Africa. Speakers include Zukiswa Wanner (author), Eddie Hatityie (Director: Music In Africa Foundation) and Samia Chasi (International Education Association of South Africa).

28.02.2020: 25 Years of Goethe: Celebration

After the official ceremony, we finally get to the real celebrations with lots of musical entertainment!

History Goethe-Institut South Afrika