The Durban University of Technology (DUT) proudly stood alongside leading voices from across the globe at the 5th South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) International Conference, held at the iconic DHL Stadium in Cape Town from 4 to 5 November 2025. Supported by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the event brought together academics, industry leaders and policymakers to explore how research and innovation can strengthen South Africa’s creative and sports economy.
DUT’s Dr Boitumelo Pooe, who presented a paper titled “Fashion Focus: Designers’ Needs from Business Support Organisations (BSOs).
Representing DUT’s growing influence in the field of cultural and creative economy research was Dr Boitumelo Pooe, who presented a paper titled “Fashion Focus: Designers’ Needs from Business Support Organisations (BSOs)” which was derived from her doctoral study. Her presentation attracted strong interest from delegates, offering valuable insights into how South African fashion designers can better access and utilise support from both public and private institutions to build sustainable and globally competitive creative enterprises.
Dr Pooe’s presentation was also a moment of reunion with her PhD supervisory team, led by Professor Dr Thomas Dobbelstein, Honorary Research Professor at DUT and Chairperson of the DUT Business School Board. Prof Dobbelstein, who is based at Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University in Ravensburg, Germany, attended the session in person to support his former student. They were joined by DUT co-authors Professor Veena Rawjee and Dr Karen Corbishley.
“Dr Pooe’s research not only bridges academia and industry but is already contributing to the development of national fashion policy in South Africa,” said Prof Dobbelstein. “Its influence has the potential to extend well beyond our borders, reaching into Europe and other regions.”
Centred on the theme “Creative Economy Futures”, the SACO conference highlighted the importance of cultural and creative industries as engines of inclusive growth and innovation, a vision that strongly aligns with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy.
Through such pioneering work, DUT continues to enhance its reputation as a people-centred, engaged, and globally connected university—one where creativity and innovation drive learning, research, and the development of adaptive graduates who transform society for the better.
#DUT #SACOConf2025 #CreativeEconomyFutures #ENVISION2030
Pictured: DUT’s Dr Boitumelo Pooe with her PhD supervisor, Professor Dr Thomas Dobbelstein, Honorary Research Professor at DUT and Chairperson of the DUT Business School Board.
Alan Khan
