World over, sport is recognised by many societies and governments as a major contributor to economic and social development. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected sports of all types across the world and is likely to have a major negative impact. According to Forbes, the global value of the sports industry is estimated at $756 billion annually. Soon after the announcement of the measures, including the lockdown, to fight the pandemic, the SA Cultural Observatory was requested to conduct an impact study to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic and associated measures has affected the sports sector in SA. We are a few weeks away from releasing the study which will give us a good indication of the impact. On release, we will share the results with key stakeholders, the media and public, and results will be made available on our website (https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za).
Sporting events are more than moments of competition, national pride, and entertainment. They are economic activities that can stimulate tourism, create employment, support local businesses, and generate revenue across multiple sectors of the economy.
Umntwana womgquba a term traditionally used in the Nguni language that means “born out of wedlock,” but nowadays it is used to emphasise that one is born kwisintu. As lontwana, I look back on my own adventures: sometimes I pat myself on the back, and sometimes I wish I could redo them.
Each September, South Africa turns its attention to the rich cultural tapestry that defines our nation. Heritage Month is a time to honour the traditions, languages, histories, knowledge systems, customs and creative expressions that have been passed from generation to generation, while recognising that our heritage is not confined to the past.
My first encounter with heritage at the Mandela Bay Development Agency was, appropriately, somewhat uncomfortable. It began with cleaning. The Gale Monument, the Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria statue became my first practical introduction to the business of preserving history.
