Masinyusane Workshop on Women's Contribution to the GDP

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.