KDI Report - Mahika Mahikeng Festival
The festival
includes drama,
music, dance and arts
and crafts;
? 2016 was the
second year in which
the festival took
place;
? The most popular
event was Jazz,
followed by
Motswako;
? 65% of attendees
were local residents;
? The average
length of stay for
non-local visitors was
1.5 nights and 2.35
days;
? 45% of visitors
came for 1 day and
did not stay
overnight;
? 1.3% of the
audience was from
Botswana;
? 77% agree that
the festival “makes
me feel proud of my
cultural heritage”;
? 32% strongly
agree and 45% agree
that “the festival is
part of what makes
Mahikeng a special
place”;
? Total Economic
Impact on Mahikeng
was calculated at
R7m. 
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.
