News Story

As of March 2020, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) conducted a survey targeting businesses and freelancers in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). This survey was undertaken so that the Observatory could ascertain the impact of the measures that were put in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Young Creatives in South Africa have heaps of challenges stacked up against them. Their reality is like that of many youth and people whose livelihoods depend on informal labour practises and gig work. Nothing makes this more evident than the effects of Covid-19 on life as we know it. However it is through their infinite potential, innovative capabilities and resilience that the country is endowed with the means to solve the complex problems in the ever-uncertain present and towards a Fourth Industrial future.

World over, sport is recognised by many societies and governments as a major contributor to economic and social development. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected sports of all types across the world and is likely to have a major negative impact.

In late March, soon after President Ramaphosa announced several measures to limit the spread of coronavirus in the country, the South African Cultural Observatory undertook a study to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 and associated measures on the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). This took the form of both the online survey and economic impact assessment to find out what impact these measures were having on businesses and freelancers in the sector, the adaptation strategies, and the most useful kinds of support that could be provided. The study, the most comprehensive for the sector, was undertaken between March 30 and May 4, 2020 and provides an early assessment of the impact of the shutdown on the sector.

Cultural and creative industries are being recognised for their contribution to GDP, job creation and innovation

Cape Town was chosen for a pilot study because of its reputation as a creative city. The concept refers to clusters of creative firms, but also includes events and skills.

YouTube and ViacomCBS Networks Africa are teaming up with actor Idris Elba to host the Africa Day Benefit Concert At Home.

The SA Cultural Observatory report, the The Economic Mapping of the Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 2020, shows that over 1.136 million are employed in the sector. This represents 7% of all jobs in SA. These are figures before Covid-19 pandemic which will have a bearing on employment across the economy.

To our Friends, Colleagues, Artists, Venue Owners and Promoters and all those active in the Music Business community. This letter is a proposed checklist for all of you who want to do your best to use self-isolation to maximise our time to ensure we can come back into the world stronger than ever before.

Monday, the 6th of April 2020, will be the last day of accepting the applications for the COVID-19, Sports, Arts and Culture Relief Fund.

The SA music industry is poorer today after the passing of Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder, Joseph Shabalala two months ago. His was inspiring story for a man who made his life a success in the industry from humble beginnings, including his life as a migrant worker.

Dr Esther Mahlangu’s memorable artistic exploits and talent make her stand out and continues to attract international recognition. Her work was recently featured at a Cape Town exhibition titled Abstractions of a Culture: Towards a Retrospective.