here - National Library Of South Africa

Foreword
The Reprint of Classics project has become an
integral part of reading promotion in South
Africa. In the past four years, the project has reproduced
a total of 68 titles, many of which were no
longer available in the public domain.
Our challenge remains the development of audiences
for South African literature. South Africa
boasts some of the best writers in the world and
yet the culture of reading is still very low. This is
even more so when it comes to books written
in indigenous languages. We have learned that publishers are loath to publish
books in indigenous languages due to the perceived lack of markets for these
languages.
Research shows that the bulk of books published in indigenous languages are
targeted at the Educational sector, thus confining their reading to the classroom.
About 49% of books published in the general sub-sector are in English, 45% in
Afrikaans, and the remaining 6% is shared among the nine indigenous languages.
This glaring imbalance of scales manifests itself in a variety of ways, including
economic beneficiation.
According to the 2006 Industry Survey released by the Publishers’ Association
of South Africa (PASA), the South African book sector records a staggering
R5 billion net-turnover. About 16, 528 authors earn an estimated R308 million
worth of royalties. Given the low levels of publishing in indigenous languages,
it should not be surprising to find out that 84% of authors receiving royalties
are white and only 16% are black. However, the publishing industry still makes a
significant contribution to our economy, employing about 3, 000 individuals on
a fulltime basis and 2, 400 freelancers.
Preserving and Celebrating our literary heritage Page 5