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The South African Cultural Observatory’s (SACO’s) research report on the review/evaluation of the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) program illuminated some eye-opening insights about the MGE program.

A person’s language ability refers to one’s level of skill in speaking, hearing, reading, and writing a language.

The South African Cultural Observatory, in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, took time during the Heritage month to reflect on and celebrate the lives of the heroes and heroines who have shaped our nation.

The ECPACC (Eastern Cape Provincial Arts & Culture Council) Strategic Planning Session was held at Mpekweni Resort in Peddie on 5 September 2024.

THE economy, according to some, can be likened to a rainbow. We have all heard of the green or the blue economy. But what of the orange one? The orange economy is the creative economy. It is made up of the creative industries – such as architecture, animation, advertising, fashion and publishing. Together these industries form part of the modern economy where culture is produced and distributed through industrial means; with intellectual property being the main driver of trade, labour and production.

AUGUST 29, 2024: ZANDILE NDHLOVU, South Africa’s first black freediving instructor and global icon for ocean protection an swimming education, was the first keynote speaker in a new series of First Thursday talks hosted by the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) in Gqebhera.

The SACO 2022 mapping study showed that the total contribution of the cultural and creative industries to South Africa’s GDP was R161 billion in 2020. This represents just under 3% of South Africa’s total economic production in 2020 and makes the sector approximately the same size as agriculture.

2024 is a monumental year for the National Arts Festival as it celebrates 50 years of existence and 40 years of Standard Bank Young Artists Awards. These celebrations coincide with celebrating 30 years of Democracy in South Africa.

On the 27th of May 2024, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) took part in the 9th edition of the Umtiza Arts Festival in East London.

May marked Africa month - a moment for the continent to pause, reflect, and celebrate the unique African identity and cultural expression.

South Africa, 30 years into democracy, faces a challenge in nurturing a culture of democracy that resonates with its youth. South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) executive director Unathi Lutshaba argues that harnessing the unifying power of culture can bridge this gap and drive positive societal change. The creative economy not only fuels economic growth but also reinforces democratic values, making it a vital component in shaping South Africa's future. Through continued research, advocacy, and collaboration, SACO envisions a Mzansi where creativity and democracy thrive together.

As part of funding from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), jointly with the French national audiovisual institute (INA) will implement a large-scale training programme in the audiovisual and film archives sector across 9 countries: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.