South African Cultural Observatory

15 Facts about the South African Cultural Observatory

Measuring and valuing South Africa’s cultural and sport ecomomy

The SACO

  • SACO was officially launched in 2015.
  • We are the StatsSA of the cultural and sport economy.
  • We act as a national research centre dedicated to the development of a comprehensive cultural information system for South Africa.
  • We are a project of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture hosted by Nelson Mandela University.
  • We were conceived under and mandated by the 2011 Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) strategy.
  • Our partners are Rhodes University and University of KwaZulu Natal.
    • Past partners include the University of Fort Hare.
  • SACO is one of 3 observatories of its kind across Africa.
  • Sport was included in our mandate from 2023.
  • Our role?
    • Champion evidence
    • Influence policy
    • Share insight
    • Build capacity

Our Results

  • SACO’s flagship report is biannual Economic Mapping Study.
  • The creative and cultural sector contributes almost 3% of the economy GDP and creates 1 million jobs.
  • SACO has worked with international organisations such as UNCTAD, UNESCO, OECD, GIZ,  British Council, SiNCA, Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), among others.
  • We have produced over 300 research outputs since 2016.
  • We have conducted 63 dissemination workshops and 28 capacity building workshops since 2016 sharing the SACO’s work in 9 provinces and reaching tens of thousands of people.
  • Developed 6 frameworks on cultural seasons, diplomacy, measuring cultural employment, cultural statistics, monitoring and evaluation of publicly funded arts, culture and heritage
  • Produced 2 guides on copyright and the development of a Sallywood.
  • Created 1 event economic impact calculator.
  • We touched the lives of 899 young creatives during the COVID-19 crisis as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP).

More News
A Human Capital Language A Human Capital Language

A person’s language ability refers to one’s level of skill in speaking, hearing, reading, and writing a language.

Report on ECPACC Strategic Planning Session Report on ECPACC Strategic Planning Session

The ECPACC (Eastern Cape Provincial Arts & Culture Council) Strategic Planning Session was held at Mpekweni Resort in Peddie on 5 September 2024.

Some insights for DSAC to consider – a Funding Indaba, perhaps! Some insights for DSAC to consider – a Funding Indaba, perhaps!

The South African Cultural Observatory’s (SACO’s) research report on the review/evaluation of the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) program illuminated some eye-opening insights about the MGE program.

Heritage Month 2024 Heritage Month 2024

The South African Cultural Observatory, in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, took time during the Heritage month to reflect on and celebrate the lives of the heroes and heroines who have shaped our nation.

Women who move like water Women who move like water

THE economy, according to some, can be likened to a rainbow. We have all heard of the green or the blue economy. But what of the orange one? The orange economy is the creative economy. It is made up of the creative industries – such as architecture, animation, advertising, fashion and publishing. Together these industries form part of the modern economy where culture is produced and distributed through industrial means; with intellectual property being the main driver of trade, labour and production.

Connect with us