The Challenges of Pivoting to Digital The COVID-19 shut down and cultural festivals and events
The main aim of the research was to investigate the impact and effectiveness of the pivot to online operation of South African cultural festivals and events for organisers, artistic producers and audiences as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. The research methods included key stakeholder interviews with 13 South African festivals that had shifted their productions online as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, as well as an online audience survey of people who had participated in such online cultural festivals or events. 
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.
