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The first quarter of our new financial year (2019/20) has been characterized by several momentous events. The country held successful national elections, elected the sixth administration into office, new national assembly members and new provincial legislatures

The work of the South African Cultural Observatory is highly enriched by learning from similar initiatives and organisations doing similar work across the globe

For people of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), life is busier than most other times during this period of the year. This is because the town is teeming with multitudes of artists and visitors from all over the world who come to attend the annual National Arts Festival

In July, South Africa celebrates former President Nelson Mandela's birthday. 18 July has been declared Nelson Mandela International Day, but as South Africans we embrace the chance to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life for the whole of July. This gives everyone the opportunity to heed the call to action for people to recognise their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them.

CHOREOGRAPHER, Oscar Buthelezi, an employee of the Moving into Dance Mophatong Company, travelled to Germany at the beginning of the month of June, where he performed a dance piece that saw him win three awards

It’s all systems go for the opening of the 45th National Arts Festival in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) today, with the curtain going up an a wide array of productions and performances on Thursday 27 June.

The deadline for entries for the 22nd Annual BASA Awards (partnered by Hollard), has been extended to 18 July 2019. According to BASA CEO, Ashraf Johaardien, “The BASA Awards not only promote mutually beneficial partnerships between business and the arts, but they also aim to encourage excellence and innovation in this area.” “These prestigious awards shine a spotlight on the diverse and imaginative ways that businesses partner with creative projects, events and initiatives,” adds BASA Head of Marketing, Savannah Feeke. “They are a platform for identifying best practice, as well as recognising and celebrating these partnerships. We have received several quality submissions for this year, but felt strongly that it was necessary to create the time and space for other, additional and amazing partnerships to also be considered,” she explains.

The dance production Amawethu - along with Artdiction exhibition and the performance art piece Xova - joins musicals Qina and Angola: Camp 13 on the list of works that will be presented by the South African State Theatre at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda.

The SA Cultural Observatory hosted a delegation from Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), led by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Address Mauakowa Malata.

The team at the South African Cultural Observatory wishes to extend their sincere congratulations to Mr Nathi Mthethwa as the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.

Minister Nathi Mthethwa, once again you have been called upon to show responsibility and determine the future of South Africa' Sports, Arts & Culture. You have been called upon to heed a clarion call once made by our legendary Moses Kotane, 'that the future of South Africa is in our hands, and it will be what we make of it.'

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