As part of its efforts of disseminating its research work, and engaging the various CCI stakeholders, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) presented a variety of research reports to the youth from Masinyusane Development Organization, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to the upliftment and development of disadvantaged young South Africans. The workshop took place on the 23rd of August 2023, at the Nelson Mandela University’s North Campus.
In line with celebrating and recognising women’s month, the focus of the workshop was on celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. At this workshop, SACO presented from a variety of its papers, under the topics “CCI’s in SA”; “Youth in Crafts”; “Women in Audio-Visuals”; and, “Women in Sport”, to an enthusiastic audience of young individuals with diverse interests in the cultural and sports industries.
The young men and women who attended the workshop are part of Masinyusane’s work in the under privileged areas surrounding Gqeberha, which has a major focus on education and youth development. Masinyusane’s goal in Gqeberha’s communities is to try and solve the social ills by poverty alleviation through educating the youth to be empowered citizens that will solve their own problems, uplift their own families, and serve as role models to their own youth. Through the Masinyusane initiative, the youth of Gqeberha gets find and develop their talents, and realize their full potential in life.
The insights shared with the audience which attended the workshop highlighted the contribution of women and youth, contribution to GDP; geographic spread; employment type and transformation. Involvement of young people with the crafts sector, i.e., demographics (gender and education levels); contribution of the craft sector to economic activities; craft products particularly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape markets; income generation; training opportunities; impacts of the 4IR on the sector; contributions to provincial and national economy; and challenges faced by youth and female in the Craft Sector.
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.
