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. The event welcomed 457 registered attendees, 21 exhibition stands (including SACO) and boasted an impressive programme that featured a variety of experts from various academic fields. Amongst them was Dr. Phil Mjwara - the Director General for the Department of Science and Innovation, Prof. Pumla Gqola and Prof. Tebogo Moja, to name a few.
The Observatory was invited by the university’s office for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation to speak on the third day during their Revitalising The Humanities And Fostering Trans disciplinarity session. Executive Director, Ms. Unathi Lutshaba, discussed the future of arts and humanities and the value of South Africa’s Cultural, Creative and Sport sectors – an important discussion that sits at the nexus of the overall objectives of the observatory and the growing importance of the humanities from a practical and theoretical perspective.
On day five, during the closing session, Ms. Lutshaba spoke about her reflections concerning the themes discussed during the week and emphasised the need for the revitalisation of the humanities. She highlighted the value of including the arts and humanities in discussions surrounding science, technology, engineering and maths within academic institutions.
An opportunity to participate in these events provides SACO with yet another platform to further champion the importance of developing a comprehensive information system; one that not only assists in policy-relevant research and knowledge sharing, but also continues to enhance capacity and importance in the cultural and creative industries.
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.
