M & E - KDI REPORT FLAGSHIP EVENTS
The South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) embarked on a strategy to reposition the arts, culture and heritage sector to address social cohesion, creation of sustainable jobs and ensuring social and economic development. The Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) was launched in 2011 to unlock the South African cultural economy by making strategic investments to optimise the economic benefit of the Arts and to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness. An evaluation of the sub-categories of the cultural events that receive funding as part of the MGE programme was conducted, including National and Provincial Flagships, the focus of this first report. National and Provincial Flagship Projects are large and small-scale local, provincial and national events that promote the arts, culture and heritage and that contribute to local economic development, job creation and the development of audiences. National Flagship Projects are projects that have an impact on a national level a 
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.
