South African Cultural Observatory
A Message from the Executive Director of SACO
A Message from the Executive Director of SACO

I am filled with immense pride and excitement, as we prepare to host the 5th South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) International Conference. This year marks a significant milestone for us, not only as an organisation, but also as a collective of thinkers, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).

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2024: A Year It Was
2024: A Year It Was

2024 has been a year of significant highs and heartbreaking lows for the South African Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) and the sport sector, marked by both remarkable achievements and devastating losses. This year encapsulated the challenges and triumphs that define the spirit of the nation.

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Executive Direction - From the desk of Ms Unathi Lutshaba
Executive Direction - From the desk of Ms Unathi Lutshaba

As the quarter comes to a close, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) celebrates the remarkable vitality and diversity of the country's cultural and creative industries. These sectors have demonstrated impressive strength and adaptability, highlighting their significant contributions to the nation's growth.

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Women who move like water
Women who move like water

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.

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The cultural weight of democratic destiny: Building a creative, moving Mzansi
The cultural weight of democratic destiny: Building a creative, moving Mzansi

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.

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The changing canvas: AI and cultivating skills for South Africa's future
The changing canvas: AI and cultivating skills for South Africa's future

South Africa's vibrant cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have long been a source of national pride and economic growth. The South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s (DSAC) statistics that show the CCIs contribute 3% to national GDP and close to 1 million jobs is well known.

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Executive Summary
Executive Summary

As we come to the end of the year, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) is thrilled to reflect on the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape, and work, that has unfolded throughout 2023. Despite the challenges faced, the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have continued to inspire, uplift, and bring joy to our lives.

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Spring into heritage – culture helps us leap ahead
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.

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Women move us, but find it hard to move the needle on their own progress
Women move us, but find it hard to move the needle on their own progress

We need for a cultural sea change for women, if we are to advance as a society. What will it take, asks Unathi Lutshaba in an opinion piece for South African Women's Month. Cultural change and capital are the answer to this seemingly insurmountable challenge. But representation also matters. Its only now that there seems to be a shift with more women’s sport being televised, feminist films such as Barbie making box office waves, and more women voicing their concerns with the status quo.

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Why innovation and creativity are interlinked
Why innovation and creativity are interlinked

A new SACO contract and iteration is secured; and an update on empowering South African creative sector MSMEs to be great and showcasing it at the United Nations in New York.

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A new era emerges
A new era emerges

When I took on the role of SACO Executive Director five years ago, I never imagined what would transpire in the intervening years. COVID-19; the meteoric rise of AI; digitalization at scale; radical new trends; and many social, economic and cultural shifts.

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Executive Direction - December 2022
Executive Direction - December 2022

The year 2022 has been an eventful and exciting one for the cultural and creative sector. This is particularly so given that it was a year in which the industry was allowed to function for the full year without the lock-down restrictions witnessed in the two previous years.

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