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/