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

Joined April 2016
861 Photos and videos
From the Youth of 1976 to the Youth of 2026. Fifty years ago, young South Africans changed the course of history through courage, determination, and a vision for a better future. As we commemorate 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, we honour the generation that paved the way.
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Today, young people continue to shape South Africa through creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation, sport, and cultural expression. Research from the @SACulturalObs (SACO) shows that youth account for approximately 41% of cultural and sport employment in SA. #YouthMonth
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The cultural and sport sectors create opportunities for young people to earn a living, tell their stories, preserve heritage, and contribute to economic growth. Their struggle gave us a voice. Our responsibility is to ensure it remains heard. #YouthDay #YouthEmpowerment
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The nation is behind you, @BafanaBafana⚽ As you face Mexico tonight at the #FIFAWorldCup2026, know that millions of South Africans are cheering you on. Thank you for proudly carrying our SA🇿🇦 onto the world's biggest football stage. You've already made us proud, now go out there
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The creative economy supports sustainability by reducing waste, extending the use of products and materials, and promoting the regeneration of natural systems through innovation and creative solutions.
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Executive Director of @SACulturalObs, Ms. Lutshaba, led a thought-provoking discussion on #CircularEconomy practices in the creative sector. Joined by a distinguished panel, the conversation explored how creativity, culture & innovation can drive sustainable dev across Africa.
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This #YouthMonth, @SACulturalObs celebrates young people driving SA’s craft sector through creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. From beadwork & ceramics to leather, wood & recycled products, youth are transforming cultural expression into economic opportunity.
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SACO research shows that the craft sector continues to provide valuable entry points for young people with limited resources, supporting livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage. Across the country, young creatives are building businesses from homes, local craft hubs etc.
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While challenges such as funding, market access, manufacturing space & specialised training remain, the craft sector holds strong potential for job creation and youth empowerment: Youths in the Craft Sector report: southafricanculturalobservat… #YouthMonth #CreativeEconomy

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The @EasternCapeFilmExpo is almost here. For three exciting days, Makhanda will become a hub for filmmakers, storytellers, producers, investors, broadcasters & creative professionals looking to connect, collaborate, and grow. Reg close: 15 June 2026 đź”— ecfilmexpo.co.za/register
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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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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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As the @SACulturalObs, we look at how African storytelling continues to shape identity, preserve cultural memory, and influence global narratives.
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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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#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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From the Economic Mapping Study to sector insights, our work supports growth across arts, culture & heritage. 🔗southafricanculturalobservat…

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🔌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.”
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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: forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/…
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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.
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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: southafricanculturalobservat…

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