ISSUED: THURSDAY, 04 JUNE 2020
In late March, soon after President Ramaphosa
announced several measures to limit the spread of coronavirus in the country,
the South African Cultural Observatory undertook a study to
evaluate the impact of Covid-19 and associated measures on the cultural and
creative industries (CCIs). This took the form of both the online survey and
economic impact assessment to find out what impact these measures
were having on businesses and freelancers in the sector, the adaptation strategies,
and the most useful kinds of support that could be provided. The study, the
most comprehensive for the sector, was undertaken between March 30 and May 4,
2020 and provides an early assessment of the impact of the
shutdown on the sector.
The study shows a direct impact on
total output of the Covid-19 shutdown on the sector to be just over R53
billion. The sector shutdown is expected to reduce South Africa’s GDP (direct
and indirect impact) by R99,7 billion in 2020.
Of the face-to-face operators who
participated in the study, only 12% could continue with 50% or more of their
normal business activities. At least 40% of those surveyed were using reserves
to survive, while 21% were getting support from family and friends. While about
80% knew about the government support, only 25% were sure that they qualified
for the grants.
Those who participated in the
survey come from the performing arts, heritage, publishing, music, film and
video, design, and support.
“We are hopeful that the report
provides relevant insights about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and will
jolt both decision makers in the public and private sectors as well as the
society at large to think deeply about the role we can all play to contribute
in supporting the sector”, said SA Cultural Observatory Executive Director,
Unathi Lutshaba.
The full report can be downloaded
via the link:
The South African Cultural
Observatory (SACO) is a national research project of the Department of Sports,
Arts and Culture (DSAC) established in 2015 to conduct economic research and
provide reliable, policy and sector relevant information about the economic
value of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). The project is
coordinated and led by the Nelson Mandela University, in partnership with
Rhodes University, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and the University of Fort
Hare.
“We would also like to urge all that are
interested in the sector to read The Economic Mapping of the
Cultural and Creative Industries in South Africa 2020 that shows the economic
contribution of the sector (pre-Covid-19 pandemic), employment in the sector
and the international trade”, said Lutshaba.
The report can be downloaded
using the following link:
Our research is guided by the United Nations
Framework for Cultural Statistics which defines the sector to include the
following domains:
1. Cultural
and Natural Heritage domain
2. Performance
and Celebration domain
3. Visual
Arts and Crafts domain
4. Books
and Press domain
5. Audio-Visual
and Interactive Media domain
6. Design
and Creative Services domain
“We are confident that the
various research reports we continuously produce will enrich the debates, but
more importantly inform critical decisions both by the sector and the various
stakeholders involved in one or the other way in the sector”, concluded Lutshaba.
Issued
by:
Marketing and Communications
Manager
Mboneni Mulaudzi
Contact: 0828892971 / 0415044935
Email: mbonenim@mandela.ac.za
