Rural Cultural Policy - Report
This document analyses and assesses rural cultural policy in South Africa, and focuses specifically on defining how cultural policy applies to rural areas, and what form of cultural policy will be most suitable for the South African context. The document critically assesses the standard approach towards cultural policy, which is (in part) based on the approach that cultural and creative industries are vehicles for development. We point out that more work is needed regarding the rural cultural sector, for three reasons: (a) rural policies are often not visible enough in local government practice and are subsumed under different departments, and various private and public development agencies, (b) rural creative industries and heritage practitioners are located in the informal sector and therefore less visible, and (c) rural cultural and creative industry development for rural areas mostly takes place in urban zones. In order to assess regional dynamics, the document develops a basic pro 
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.
Spring into heritage – culture helps us leap ahead
KNOWING where we come from and who we are is what culture is. The repetition of rituals, beliefs, practices, and how we share knowledge is culture in motion.
Exchange on Research Topics and Needs for the Animation Sector and potential Collaboration with GIZ and Animation SA
The local gaming sector is in its infancy with most companies under ten years old. As part of disseminating its research, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) took part in an exchange workshop with GIZ and Animation SA.
