Due to the Covid-19 restrictions most industry events and activities have either been cancelled or largely held online since April 2020. The South African Cultural Observatory has similarly been affected by these restrictions and has for the past two years taken to releasing reports and conducting our workshops online.
For the first time in two years, the South African Cultural Observatory held its first public event in Soweto at Just Badela Food and Wine on Friday, 22 October 2021 where we released the latest report on the Impact of Covid-19 crisis on the cultural and creative industries (the report is featured in this newsletter edition).
Predominantly intended and designed to offer the media an opportunity to interact with the authors of the report, the event was open and attended by cultural practitioners, government officials and members of the public. Members of the media and those participating at the event got the first glimpse of the report presented by lead authors, Professor Jen Snowball and Dr Andre Gouws while also getting a first-hand account from the Artistic Director of the Market Theatre, James Ngcobo on how the Market Theatre (as one of the cultural institutions severely affected by Covid-19) has responded to the limitations and the new environment imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The format of the event allowed for unlimited questions on the report, while encouraging open interaction about the work of the SA Cultural Observatory between members of the media, cultural practitioners, authors and SACO members, including the Executive Director, Ms Unathi Lutshaba who was the host of the event.
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.
