South African Cultural Observatory

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.

Today, young people continue to shape South Africa through creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation, sport, and cultural expression. Research from the African Cultural Observatory (S**O) shows that young people make up about 41% of cultural and sports employment in South Africa, representing hundreds of thousands of jobs across these industries.

The creative and sport industries continue to provide opportunities for young people to earn a living, tell their stories, preserve heritage, and contribute to economic growth. As we commemorate 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, we honor the generation that paved the way and celebrate the generation that continues to build the future through talent, resilience, and innovation.

Their struggle gave us a voice. Our responsibility is to ensure it remains heard.

**O

🇿🇦⚽ FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

3 DAYS TO GO!

Bafana Bafana’s next challenge awaits as South Africa takes on Czechia in their second Group A fixture on 18 June 2026.

📅 Date: 18 June 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 18:00 CAT

Final preparations are underway, and excitement continues to build as the nation rallies behind our boys in green and gold.

Let’s show our support and fly the South African flag high! 🇿🇦👏

: ⏰ Time is ticking! Applications close TONIGHT!!

Are you an expert in literature, publishing, or linguistics? This is your final call to apply for the DSAC Publishing Hub Selection Panel!

Help shape the future of South African literature and ensure our country's diverse voices, stories, and languages are celebrated. Don't miss the chance to make a lasting impact on our cultural landscape.

📅 Closing Date: Tonight at 11:59PM

👉 Submit your application before it's too late!
Visit👉: https://www.anfasa.org.za/dsac-selection-panel-application/

Today, South Africa stands united behind Bafana Bafana as they take on Mexico on football's biggest stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026!

From every corner of the country, we are rallying behind our national team with pride, passion, and unwavering support. You have already made the nation proud by carrying our flag onto the world stage, and we celebrate your journey every step of the way. The South African Cultural Observatory wishes you strength, confidence, and success as you represent the spirit and resilience of our nation.💪🏾⚽

Bafana Bafana vs Mexico | 11 June 2026 | 21:00

We'll be watching, cheering, and believing.

**o

🔌

Got plans for your creative practice this winter? Good.

June is packed with opportunities worth paying attention to 📩

From fully funded residencies and major art competitions to international pitch platforms, exhibition open calls and creative industry vacancies, there's plenty happening across South Africa and beyond.

A few deadlines are just days away, so now might be the time to stop bookmarking opportunities and start applying.

🔗 Find the full list here: https://iqoqo.org/creative-opportunities-june-2026/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=IQOQO&utm_content=Creative%20Opportunities%20%E2%80%93%20June%202026

Sasol New Signatures Spier Arts Trust La Motte Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival Falling Walls National Arts Festival Makhanda

The Creative Economy as a Driver of Circular Practices

The creative industries offer innovative and complementary approaches to advancing sustainable consumption and production patterns within a circular economy. Moving towards sustainability requires decoupling resource depletion from economic growth by creatively designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use for longer, and contributing to the regeneration of natural systems.

The Executive Director of the , , led an insightful discussion on “The Creative Economy as a Driver of Circular Practices,” exploring how the cultural and creative industries can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

The discussion was chaired by Prof Pamela Maseko and featured an esteemed panel comprising Ms Lucilla Booyzen, Mr Sam Semsah, Mr , Prof Christopher Isike, and Prof Kwadwo Adusei-Asante. Together, they shared valuable perspectives on the role of creativity, culture, innovation, and collaboration in advancing circular economy principles across Africa and beyond.

EconomicDevelopment

31 PRODUCTIONS, 9,020 JOBS, R521 MILLION IMPACT

Film and television productions shot in the Eastern Cape are proving a remarkable success having leveraged a total investment value of R521,7 million from a R43,1 million funding incentive from the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund between 2018 to March 2025.

The economic impact of the 31 funded film productions is being felt through job creation, small business participation and skills transfer to local creatives. Through the 31 productions, 9,020 temporary jobs were created benefitting 696 small businesses across various sectors including hospitality, retail, transport, security and clothing.

Since its establishment in 2019, the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund has funded immensely popular productions such as telenovela Gqeberha: The Empire, Survivor South Africa Seasons 8&9, Knuckle City as well as Homecoming: An African Christmas Story among others.

The Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund supports commercially-viable film and television productions shot in the Eastern Cape. It provides a financial incentive to productions that
contribute to investment attraction, job creation, SMME participation, skills development and tourism.

For more on the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund, visit: https://www.ecdc.co.za/ecinvestmentfilmfund

Also, don’t miss out on the magic of film and the best of Eastern Cape film talent at the Eastern Cape Film Expo 2026 by registering to attend on: https://www.ecfilmexpo.co.za/register. Registrations close on 15 June 2026.

Follow us for more news on the expo and other film industry news on:
Website: www.ecfilmexpo.co.za
Facebook: Eastern Cape Film Expo
Linkedin: Eastern Cape Film expo
Instagram: easterncapefilmexpo

This is the Eastern Cape. Make it your backdrop. Make it your story. Make it here.
Eastern Cape: A compelling film and television destination.

Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism
ECDC - Eastern Cape Development Corporation
National Film and Video Foundation
Eastern Cape Provincial Arts & Culture Council
National Arts Festival Makhanda
South African Cultural Observatory
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality