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.
To tackle the global polycrisis, South Africa has embraced the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” for its G20 Presidency. The high-level deliverables and priorities under this theme, lie at the core of the original G20 mandate of promoting Strong, Sustainable, Balanced and Inclusive Growth.
The huge importance of the role of the G20 in creating the foundation for global economic stability and establishing global consensus and commitments on key issues, in response to developments in the global economy, including socio-economic issues such as agriculture, anti-corruption, climate, digital economy, health, tourism, trade and investment cannot be emphasised enough.
The G20 members, representing approximately two-thirds of the world population, comprises of 19 countries and two regional bodies, including the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU). The G20 Presidency rotates annually and is responsible for bringing together the G20 agenda in consultation with other members. The working groups covering the above-mentioned key issues include 13 Working Groups. The Culture Working Group, SACO hopes, will have much to report to our sector when the year is up, following on from the focus in Brazil over the past year on harnessing the transformative potential of culture in society, its impact on the economy and on sustainable and inclusive development, as well as on promoting a culture of peace and harmony among peoples.
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.
