Dove l'Italia
incontra
il Sudafrica
Where Italy meets South Africa celebrating culture, cuisine, music, and the living bridge between two countries.
Our Story
Sharing Culture
Founded in Gauteng in 1993 by Elisa D'Onofrio, the Centro Culturale Italo Sudafricano is a non-profit born from a deep belief that culture is the most powerful bridge between peoples. What began as a community gathering space for Italian expatriates and South African admirers of Italy quickly evolved into a celebrated institution recognised by Italian government authorities.
In 2024, CCIS expanded with the opening of its Western Cape branch bringing the warmth of la dolce vita. Today, CCIS maintains strong ties with the Italian Consulate, the Embassy of Italy, Cinecittà studios, and a network of cultural, gastronomic, and artistic institutions.
Our mission: to promote Italian culture and to foster genuine cross-cultural dialogue with South African communities.
What We Do
The Pillars of CCIS
Every event, gathering, and initiative we organise is rooted in one of these passions.
From curated three-course dinners at venues like Morgenster Estate and The Cousins Trattoria, to intimate evenings pairing Italian cuisine with fine South African wines — food is how we first share who we are.
Sacred arias, contemporary sopranos, and chamber ensembles in the intimate surrounds of Cape Town's historic churches — our concerts unite audiences through the universal language of Italian classical music.
Recognised by Italian authorities and closely tied to the Italian Consulate and Embassy, CCIS is a formal bridge between two nations — fostering genuine exchange between Italian expatriates, local South Africans, and Italian cultural institutions.
Our Past Events
Esperienze Indimenticabili
The Cousins Trattoria
Our recent flagship culinary event in Cape Town featured an exclusive three-course Italian dinner at The Cousins Trattoria. Guests enjoyed an authentic dining experience inspired by traditional family recipes, carefully prepared to showcase the richness and diversity of Italian cuisine.
Sacred & Contemporary Arias
The Sacred and Contemporary Arias concert took place at Holy Cross Catholic Church, where the stained glass windows framed an afternoon of music. Conducted by Tim Roberts and featuring soprano Magdalene Minnaar, the program presented 15 sacred and contemporary arias, followed by a reception of Italian inspired food and wines
Melodie Oltre Confini
The Concert offered an exquisite afternoon of music, food, and wine in the intimate setting of Holy Cross Catholic Church, in culturally rich District Six. Conducted by Tim Roberts and featuring soprano Louise Howlett with a five-member instrumental ensemble invited the audience to experience classical music like never before through interactive participation.
Morgenster Estate
Our first culinary event was hosted at Morgenster Estate, bringing together Italian gastronomy and fine South African wines in an elegant setting. Guests experienced a carefully curated menu inspired by traditional Italian flavors, thoughtfully paired with selections from the estate.
What's On