South African Cultural Observatory

24/09/2026

As we celebrate , we are reminded that It’s the sound of a gqom beat in Durban, amapiano in the streets, maskandi in KwaZulu-Natal and jazz in the Eastern Cape.

It’s isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, Sepedi, XiTsonga, Tshivenda, siSwati, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele and South African Sign Language.

It’s umngqusho, pap and vleis, chakalaka, bunny chow, malva pudding and koeksisters.

It’s our beadwork, storytelling, dance, fashion, art, sport and the traditions passed down from one generation to the next. Our heritage is not simply something we remember, it is something we live, create and carry forward.

Today, we celebrate the many cultures, communities and creative expressions that make South Africa, South Africa. ❤️

Happy Heritage Day from the African Cultural Observatory!

18/09/2026

🎶 Setting the Tone Through African Sound

The African Cultural Observatory (S**O), Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and the Motion Picture Association (MPA) were delighted to have Lathitha Marimba Band grace our MOU signing engagement on 7 September with a vibrant opening performance during registration.

Founded in Gqeberha in 2011 by creative practitioner, producer and educator Hewitt-Coleman, Lathitha Marimba Band brings together the rich sounds of African marimba, percussion, song and performance.

Their energetic performance created a warm and celebratory atmosphere as guests arrived for an important day of collaboration, research and dialogue around the protection of the creative industries and digital piracy.

From corporate events and festivals to cultural programmes and special occasions, Lathitha continues to showcase the power of African music and creative expression.

We thank Njalo Productions for helping us start the day on such a vibrant note! 🙌🏾🎶

Distinctly African. Professionally delivered. Unforgettable in performance.

🌐 LetUsTellTheStory.com

18/09/2026

In celebration of Heritage Month, we’re bringing you the 4th Annual Business of Arts Week 2026!💫🎨

This year, we’re Bridging the Gap Between Business & Arts and creating a space where creativity, business and culture come together.
Day 1 will feature two exciting sessions, and we’d love for you to join us! 🙌🏽🌱

RSVP for Day 1 using the link below:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/SUSEbetPTZ?origin=lprLink

To attend the networking session RSVP using this link below:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/MaHL5TVK2e?origin=lprLink

Come be part of the conversation! 💫

18/09/2026

Calling all artists in the creative arts economy !🫵

Are you looking for funding opportunities to support and grow your creative work or business? 🙂♥️

Join us for a session on Funding Opportunities for Creatives and discover opportunities that could help take your creative journey to the next level.💡✨

RSVP: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/9RcjqRXu0k?origin=lprLink

16/09/2026

BEHIND EVERY FILM IS AN INDUSTRY THAT NEEDS SUPPORT

The impact of digital piracy must also be considered alongside the very real challenges facing filmmakers and creative professionals.
The discussion highlighted the difficult environment in which South African filmmakers currently operate, including challenges around access to funding, production, training and distribution.

When films struggle to secure funding and audiences struggle to access content affordably, the sustainability of the creative ecosystem becomes a shared concern.

There is also a broader challenge: African audiences need greater access to African stories. More investment in training, production, cinemas and digital distribution platforms can help create an environment where African creatives can tell their stories, reach audiences and participate meaningfully in the value created by their work.

Protecting creative work is therefore not only about protecting intellectual property, it is about protecting livelihoods, opportunities and the future of the creative economy.

‼️Protect the content. Protect the creators. Protect the future of our creative economy
**O

14/09/2026

Meet the ICT Summit Advisory Board

Behind every impactful summit is a collective of leaders who bring expertise, insight and diverse perspectives to the table.

We are proud to introduce the ICT Summit Advisory Board — a distinguished group of leaders from government, business, academia, technology and innovation who are contributing their knowledge and experience to the 21st Annual ICT Summit Tech Week.

Together, the Advisory Board will help shape meaningful conversations around the opportunities, challenges and priorities that will define South Africa’s digital future.

Under the theme:

“The Next Digital Decade: A Resilient, Inclusive and Globally Competitive Digital Economy.”

📅 23–26 November 2026
📍 East London ICC

🎟️ Complimentary tickets are now open. Register today and join the conversation shaping the next digital decade:https://www.quicket.co.za/events/391961-21st-annual-ict-summit-tech-week/ #/tickets

The next decade is being shaped now. Be part of it.

14/09/2026

ACCESS MATTERS: WHY DO PEOPLE TURN TO PIRACY?

The conversation around digital piracy cannot be separated from the realities of access, affordability and inequality.

For many South Africans, accessing legitimate entertainment can come with difficult choices, particularly when the cost of data, streaming subscriptions and other basic necessities compete for limited household resources.
As one speaker highlighted, people may not necessarily be trying to deprive the entertainment industry of income. Often, they simply want access to content they cannot otherwise afford or access easily.

This raises an important question: How can we create a digital environment where African audiences can access African content legally, affordably and conveniently?
Addressing piracy therefore requires more than enforcement. It requires us to examine the barriers that shape people's choices.

‼️Protect the content. Protect the creators. Protect the future of our creative economy
**O

10/09/2026

DIGITAL PIRACY: WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GIVING AWAY?

Digital piracy is not only about accessing content without paying. It can also expose consumers to serious cybersecurity and privacy risks.

During the discussion, one of the speakers highlighted the “privacy paradox” we value our personal and financial information, yet may unknowingly expose that very information when using questionable online platforms.

From personal information and device data to malware, invasive pop-ups and potential identity theft, the risks can extend far beyond the movie or music being accessed. The question is not simply “How can I watch this for free?” but also: “What is this site asking me to give in return?”

As the conversation around digital piracy continues, cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital behaviour must remain part of the discussion.

‼️Protect the content. Protect the creators. Protect the future of our creative economy

**o

09/09/2026

A must read 📌
Nelson Mandela University
Motion Picture Association
Unathi Lutshaba
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Creative Cnergy
South African Cultural Observatory
Rhodes University

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Nelson Mandela University have announced a landmark collaboration to advance independent research and deepen understanding of the impact of digital piracy across Africa.

08/09/2026

We’re excited to see the work of the South African Cultural Observatory(S**O) featured in HeraldLIVE - Nelson Mandela Bay

Our recent engagement brought together important conversations around digital piracy, the creative economy, research and the protection of South Africa’s creative industries.

The conversation also marked an important step in strengthening collaboration between S**O, Nelson Mandela University and the Motion Picture Association (MPA) as we work towards generating evidence that can help better understand the impact and risks of digital piracy.

Get yourself a copy of The Herald or read it online to find out more about what took place.

A big moment for research, the creative economy and the future of South Africa’s creative industries.

Photo Credit: Michael Sheehan