On 7 September 2026, a historic partnership was born which promises to reshape Africa’s creative and research landscape in the sector. Nelson Mandela University (NMU), the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) and the Motion Picture Association (MPA) have joined forces in a first-of-its-kind collaboration across the continent, aimed at tackling the growing challenge of digital piracy and advancing groundbreaking research into Africa’s creative economy.
Facilitated by SACO Executive Director, Unathi Lutshaba, this powerful alliance was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Nelson Mandela University Vice Chancellor, Professor Sibongile Muthwa, and Ms Karyn Temple, Senior Executive Vice President, and Global General Counsel of MPA. This collaboration marks the MPA’s inaugural partnership in Africa and establishes a framework through which the organisations can pursue research and consulting projects on piracy, the creative economy, and other areas of shared interest.
The partnership brings together the MPA’s extensive global expertise in content protection with the research capabilities and African-focused perspective of SACO, which is hosted by Nelson Mandela University. The initiative represents an important opportunity for SACO to strengthen research capacity in an area where culture, technology and the digital economy are increasingly interconnected.
The collaboration comes at a critical juncture for Africa’s creative economy as film, television and streaming continue to expand their contribution to the continent’s cultural and economic landscape. At the same time, the growth of digital piracy presents challenges for creators, legitimate businesses, investment, and consumers.
A central objective of the new collaboration is to develop research that is locally relevant and capable of contributing to a deeper understanding of the realities facing Africa’s creative and digital environments. A key initiative kicking off this partnership, is a groundbreaking research project exploring cybersecurity dangers consumers face when accessing pirated content in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.
This pioneering study will uncover the hidden risks – from malware to data theft – lurking behind illegal online content. Its insights aim to equip stakeholders with vital evidence to protect consumers, sustain the creative sector, and shape smarter policies combatting online piracy in an ever-evolving digital world.
Together, Nelson Mandela University, SACO and the MPA are setting a powerful precedent – where creatives thrive, innovation leads, and Africa’s cultural economy shines brighter than ever before.
Sporting events are more than moments of competition, national pride, and entertainment. They are economic activities that can stimulate tourism, create employment, support local businesses, and generate revenue across multiple sectors of the economy.
Umntwana womgquba a term traditionally used in the Nguni language that means “born out of wedlock,” but nowadays it is used to emphasise that one is born kwisintu. As lontwana, I look back on my own adventures: sometimes I pat myself on the back, and sometimes I wish I could redo them.
Each September, South Africa turns its attention to the rich cultural tapestry that defines our nation. Heritage Month is a time to honour the traditions, languages, histories, knowledge systems, customs and creative expressions that have been passed from generation to generation, while recognising that our heritage is not confined to the past.
My first encounter with heritage at the Mandela Bay Development Agency was, appropriately, somewhat uncomfortable. It began with cleaning. The Gale Monument, the Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria statue became my first practical introduction to the business of preserving history.
