New administrator joins SACO team
THE South African Cultural Observatory welcomes Rene Derrocks to the team as the incoming new administrator. Rene has eight years’ experience in the tourism marketing environment. A passionate advocate for the tourism industry and its close linkages with the cultural and creative industries, Rene appreciates the value embedded in the experience economy.
After 10 years of working in the tourism sector for Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and Bayworld, she decided to make the jump into a new career path.
"I love the interaction of creativity and productivity. I have heard a lot about the South African Cultural Observatory over the past three years and the incredible research it is doing mapping what the creative industries look like. Being embedded in tourism for so long, I witnessed first hand the close relationship between the creative and tourism industries and how one often only thrives when the other is strong," she said.
"I now have the opportunity to see the world from the creative side and to bring my tourism expereince to the table."
Rene says she is looking forward to working in a space where staff development is encouraged, and opportunities available to young and dynamic individuals who show potential and determination. She is reading toward a Masters in Tourism, focusing on film tourism. She has a post graduate degree in Maritime Studies and an Honours in Tourism.
Other SACO updates
The SACO has some updates:
- We have a new WhatsApp number to communicate with the SACO - reach us on +2763 639 7653
- We have updated our website address. It is now a .org address, take a look: https://www.southafricanculturalobservatory.org.za/
- We have a new partner in the University of KwaZulu-Natal - we are excited to have them on board.
- SACO has an Instragram account, check it out: https://www.instagram.com/saculturalobservatory/
The South African Cultural Observatory was established to undertake economic research for the cultural and creative industries in South Africa. The kind research we conduct provides such information as to the economic size of the sector, number of jobs in the sector or transformation. We publish the reports on our website and in various media platforms, including this newsletter, with a view to empower industry stakeholders with information that we hope they will find useful, informative and can be relied upon when making decisions that affect the sector.
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The Observatory was established to undertake economic research for and about the cultural and creative industries in SA. Additionally we have done research on other related sectors that impact the cultural industries.
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The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) was given a boost with last week’s release of the UN’s Creative Economy Outlook and Country Profile report, giving the institution a fitting recognition.
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MEET the new SA Cultural Observatory Executive Director Unathi Lutshaba. Miss Lutshaba is a passionate economist and sociologist. She was recently appointed into the role of Executive Director of the South African Cultural Observatory, after two years as its Research Manager.
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Cultural and sports impact on the economy can and should be measured, valued
GOVERNMENT strategic foresight is a powerful thing when it takes flight. Take the Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy (2011) – which gave birth to the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), hosted by Nelson Mandela University since 2015 – for example.
Minister Zizi Kodwa unveils new award ceremony: “The South African Creative Arts Awards”
The South African Creative Arts Awards will be the be most desired recognition and cultural recognition in the South African creative industry. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture intends to hold the South African Creative Arts Awards annually.
Research week
Nelson Mandela University hosted their second annual Research Week on 11-15 September 2023 as part of their continued effort to foster engagement and partnership to contribute to the research culture within the institution.
Honouring Mandela - A Day To Give
On Mandela Day, Gelvandale High School hostel received assistance from the South African Cultural Observatory, Nelson Mandela University, and other various organizations.
SAMA Professionalisation Workshop 21 - 22 August 2023
The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) took part in a discussion with the stakeholders in the Museum industry on the professionalization of heritage in South Africa. The discussion was aimed at finding ways to professionalize the work Museums do in SA. The Museum stakeholders would like their work to be qualified by SAQA so that when they enroll students, they (students) can come out with a qualification that is graded.
