Executive Direction - From the desk of Ms Unathi Lutshaba
As the quarter comes to a close, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) celebrates the remarkable vitality and diversity of the country's cultural and creative industries. These sectors have demonstrated impressive strength and adaptability, highlighting their significant contributions to the nation's growth.
Heritage Month has been a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural heritage in shaping our collective identity and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Two notable events marked this quarter's achievements:
Women's Month and #GQFirstThursday : The inaugural event, themed "Creative Waves: Women who Move Like Water," featured remarkable women making waves in the maritime and creative economies, contributing to the thriving Mzansi Golden Economy. Interestingly, artistic expression and creativity in these sectors know no gender boundaries, with approximately half of those working in these sectors being women globally, as reported by UNESCO.
From Literacy to Literature: Bridging the Gap: Held during National Book Week, this event explored the power of literacy and reading with best-selling author Khaya Dlanga, emphasising the importance of books and literature in our cultural heritage. As we celebrated literacy week, we are also remember the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa that “Early reading is the basic foundation that determines a child’s educational progress, through school, through higher education and into the workplace”.
SACO's strategic vision is rooted in democratic principles, emphasising collaboration, creative empowerment, and cultural heritage promotion. SACO Executive Director Ms. Unathi Lutshaba encourages those involved in the arts, culture, heritage, and sports to nurture these sectors, stating, "People need these sectors. These sectors are the soul of the country, and they need to be developed and protected."
Sports play a crucial part in these sectors, as they promote social welfare, environmental well-being, and economic development . Sustainability in sports is key, with many organisations focusing on environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability.
As we look to the future, SACO reaffirms its vision for a diverse and inclusive creative economy that uplifts all South Africans. Together, let's build a Moving Mzansi that showcases our nation's unparalleled creativity and resilience. By nurturing our cultural and creative industries, we can ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
2024 has been a year of significant highs and heartbreaking lows for the South African Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) and the sport sector, marked by both remarkable achievements and devastating losses. This year encapsulated the challenges and triumphs that define the spirit of the nation.
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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.
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South Africa, 30 years into democracy, faces a challenge in nurturing a culture of democracy that resonates with its youth. South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) executive director Unathi Lutshaba argues that harnessing the unifying power of culture can bridge this gap and drive positive societal change. The creative economy not only fuels economic growth but also reinforces democratic values, making it a vital component in shaping South Africa's future. Through continued research, advocacy, and collaboration, SACO envisions a Mzansi where creativity and democracy thrive together.
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South Africa's vibrant cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have long been a source of national pride and economic growth. The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s (DSAC) statistics that show the CCIs contribute 3% to national GDP and close to 1 million jobs is well known.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
SAVE THE DATE!! South African Cultural Observatory's upcoming conference that will take place on the 5 and 6 of November 2025. Theme: Creative Economy Futures: Perspectives, Policies & Practices Mark your calendars and stay tune for more information
Exploring the South African Design Sector
On November 7th, 2024, the South African Cultural Observatory hosted its last #GQFirstThursday for the year, themed "Design, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship” at The Roof Garden, Central, Gqeberha.
South African creatives embrace AI while calling for IP protection – new report.
Gqeberha, South Africa – December 10, 2024: A groundbreaking report from the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) reveals that creative professionals are enthusiastically adopting artificial intelligence while demanding stronger intellectual property protections and more say in how the AI era unfolds.
South African Cultural Observatory Launches Updated South African Festival Economic Impact Calculator (SAFEIC)
The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) released its latest SOUTH AFRICAN FESTIVAL ECONOMIC IMPACT CALCULATOR (SAFEIC) version 2.
G20 Presidency in South Africa for the coming year
The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) is captivated by the news that South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 through to November 2025. Tying in well with the SACO 5th International Conference in November 2025, SACO anticipates that several issues dealt with during the G20 negotiations, will form part of some interesting discussions which will ensue.
