CultureObservatory

The South African Cultural Observatory is the research project of the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture established to map the #creative #economy and #CCIs

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As SACO, we recognise the role of the creative economy in driving growth, collaboration, & opportunities across the continent. Africa Day reminds us that cultural practitioners can strengthen intra-African trade, preserve heritage, & shape global narratives through creativity.

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This year’s AU theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” highlights the importance of sustainable development, culture, youth, and innovation in shaping #TheAfricaWeWant.
#Agenda2063 #CreativeEconomy

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This #AfricaMonth, we celebrate voices like @BeeBabs, acclaimed author of Love in Colour, whose work centres African identity, heritage & representation through storytelling.

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As the @SACulturalObs, we look at how African storytelling continues to shape identity, preserve cultural memory, and influence global narratives.

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

From the Economic Mapping Study to sector insights, our work supports growth across arts, culture & heritage.
🔗https://t.co/QlcvPWZ4p2

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#FunFactFriday

Since 2015, SACO has been at the forefront of cultural research, producing 400+ outputs, shaping policy, and strengthening SA’s creative economy.

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Venue: Century City Conference Centre | Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026 Time: 15:30 – 16:00 (SAST) Arrival
🔗 Reserve your place here: https://t.co/sKGhQJrnJy

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

🔌Secure Your Seat | 16th Annual Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture

Join the 16th Annual Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture under the theme: “Rebuilding African Unity in an Age of Fragmentation: Sovereignty, Solidarity, and Renewal of Institutions.”

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

The impact is clear: income supporting low-income households grew from R40bn (2021) to R45bn (2023).
This reflects both recovery and structural shifts positioning the CCI&S sector as a key driver of inclusive growth in SA.
Read the full report: https://t.co/GaWzHPlaRP

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

The Cultural, Creative & Sports Industries (CCI&S) are playing a vital role in addressing poverty aligned with the Zero Hunger goal of the SDGs (2030). Insights from the Economic Mapping Study show how the sector supports low-income households through growing income streams.

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

#AfricaMonth celebrates progress across sectors, including the #creativeeconomy, while reflecting on the work still needed to unlock Africa’s full potential. Creative industries & growing, driving global influence. Strengthening trade, infrastructure & investment remains key.

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

“People without knowledge of their history, origin & culture is like a tree without roots.” - Marcus Garvey

#AfricaMonth celebrates Africa’s rich heritage, diversity & resilience. It marks the founding of @_AfricanUnion on 25 May 1963, a milestone toward unity & development.

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

In Oceania, the respective figures are $12 billion for services (up by 7.7% year-on-year) and $1.9 billion for goods (up by 8.7% year-on-year).

The Software, Video Games and Recorded Media sectors grew by an estimated 33% year-on-year in Read more : https://t.co/SYpCJ0cpxD

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

#DidYouKnow ⁉️⁉️
The current global data shows trends in creative goods and services trade at the global, regional and country levels, as well as a breakdown by category from audio-visual services to yarn-produced goods?
#thread

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

Challenges still remain in some areas. Africa’s trade in services stood at $5.5 billion, growing by 28% year-on-year. Its share of world trade in creative goods, less than 0.5% globally, reached $3.2 billion, up 15.6%.

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

In SA & globally, media practitioners shape public discourse, preserve cultural narratives, & reflect the complexities of our societies. @SACulturalObs, research (CCISA) highlights the economic value of media contributing to GDP, jobs & innovation within the creative economy.

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

Today we recognise the essential role of a free, independent & diverse media in building informed, democratic, & accountable societies.

[CultureObservatory @SACulturalObs]

Press freedom is a cornerstone of development it protects journalists, safeguards access to information, & ensures all voices can be heard without fear or censorship.

[NationalArtsFestival @artsfestival]

11 days of SA creativity, culture & conversation in Makhanda this winter 25 June to 5 July 2026! Drive to Makhanda, fly to Gqeberha or KuGompo City or tag along with friends but start planning now for #NAF2026
Programme announced 12 May 2026.