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As the world accelerates into the digital age, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula<\/strong>, has called for stronger protections for artists\u2019 intellectual property and moral rights<\/strong> amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI)<\/strong> and digital innovation.<\/p>\n Speaking at the fourth G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting<\/strong> in Zimbali, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday, October 27, 2025<\/strong>, Khawula said AI presents both opportunities and complex challenges for the creative industries, which remain among the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cCultural and creative sectors are not peripheral to development; they are central to how nations innovate, how communities express identity, and how economies diversify,\u201d said Khawula. \u201cWhile AI brings boundless opportunities for creativity and innovation, it also poses new and complex challenges. But these challenges can be seen as opportunities for new inroads, new frontiers, and new bridges.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The G20 Culture Working Group<\/strong>, established in 2020, promotes culture as a driver of sustainable development<\/strong>, creative economy growth, and cultural heritage protection<\/strong>. This year\u2019s discussions, held under the theme \u201cSolidarity, Equality and Sustainability,\u201d<\/em> explored how cultural cooperation can underpin inclusive global growth.<\/p>\n Representing South Africa, Khawula underscored that KwaZulu-Natal\u2019s creative and cultural industries<\/strong> offer a gateway into the Southern African Development Community (SADC)<\/strong> and the wider African continent.<\/p>\n \u201cFor South Africa, and for KwaZulu-Natal in particular, the creative and cultural industries represent a new frontier of economic opportunity \u2014 a way to build prosperity that is inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in our identity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Khawula highlighted Africa\u2019s cultural diversity and tourism potential<\/strong> as key levers for investment and trade, noting that cultural and heritage tourism \u201cis not just about preserving history \u2014 it is about translating heritage into opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n He cited KwaZulu-Natal\u2019s historic and sacred sites, such as the Valley of the Zulu Kings<\/strong>, the Drakensberg Mountains<\/strong>, the Ohlange Institute<\/strong>, and Sibhudu Cave<\/strong>, as examples of how the province is transforming heritage spaces into centres of learning, innovation, and sustainable tourism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cAs global partners look to Africa, we invite you to see our province and South Africa not merely as a destination, but as a dynamic springboard for regional collaboration and creative trade,\u201d Khawula said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The MEC also urged G20 member states to strengthen multilateral relations<\/strong> that integrate Africa\u2019s creative industries into global value chains<\/strong>. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)<\/strong> as a pivotal framework for unlocking new opportunities in film, music, fashion, gaming, and digital storytelling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough strategic partnerships, may this meeting of ministers and all critical stakeholders integrate our creative industries into global value chains,\u201d he said. \u201cNo one should be left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Khawula concluded by calling for equitable trade partnerships and inclusive innovation<\/strong>, stressing that Africa\u2019s creative industries must be empowered to shape \u2014 not just consume \u2014 the technologies transforming the global cultural landscape.<\/p>\n \u201cLet us unite to create a future where our continent thrives \u2014 not just for ourselves, but for generations to come,\u201d he said. \u201cTogether, we can build a prosperous Africa that is open for business and rich in opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n \n\n
\nCulture as a Driver of Sustainable Development<\/h3>\n
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\nHeritage, Tourism, and Trade<\/h3>\n
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\nBuilding an Inclusive Creative Economy<\/h3>\n
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