ABOUT US
Thirty Years of Championing South African Publishing
WHO WE ARE
The Association is a voluntary body founded in 1994 by and on behalf of South African Publishers.
This is in recognition of their particular role and responsibility in protecting and promoting the Bill of Rights which forms part of the Constitution of the Republic; with particular reference to the fundamental rights provisions which have reference to the Freedom of Expression.
- Freedom of the press and other media;
- Freedom to receive or impart information or ideas;
- Freedom of artistic creativity;
- Academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.
Who We Are
The Association is a voluntary body founded in 1994 by and on behalf of South African Publishers.
This is in recognition of their particular role and responsibility in protecting and promoting the Bill of Rights which forms part of the Constitution of the Republic; with particular reference to the fundamental rights provisions which have reference to the Freedom of Expression.
- Freedom of the press and other media;
- Freedom to receive or impart information or ideas;
- Freedom of artistic creativity;
- Academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.
OUR AIMS & OBJECTIVES
Building a Stronger Publishing Industry
Promote and protect publishing rights
To promote and protect the rights and responsibilities of the independent publishing sector in South Africa; and to co-ordinate industry representation, including submissions to and negotiations with Government legislators and other relevant public and private bodies with reference to matters affecting South African publishers;
Promote creativity, literacy and a culture of reading
To promote creativity, literacy, "a culture of reading"; and the free flow of ideas, information, and opinion;
Establish policy guidelines and codes of conduct
To establish and apply policy guidelines and codes of conduct as may be adopted by the General Assembly from time to time as applicable to South African Publishers seeking membership of the Association; and to promote best practice and the highest standards of ethics in publishing;
Examine and respond to policy and legislative proposals
To examine policy or legislative proposals likely to affect publishing in the Republic; and to take such measures in support of or in opposition to such proposals, and where appropriate to make representations with a view to securing amendments thereto as may be considered appropriate;
Protect copyright and intellectual property rights
To liaise with representative international publishing organisations, and to promote the enactment and enforcement of effective legislation to protect copyright and other intellectual property rights, in order to secure the legitimate interests of authors, publishers and the general public;
Support publishers through new technology and media
To provide information, support and resources with reference to new technologies and publishing media, in order to enable South African Publishers to maintain their viability and competitiveness, and to advance the best interests of the publishing industry;
Promote participation in publishing events and competitions
To organise and arrange participation by South African authors and publishers in competitions, exhibits, fairs, displays and other events organised to promote a culture of reading and excellence in writing and publishing in South Africa;
Provide training, workshops and industry resources
To provide general assistance and support services to the publishing industry in South Africa, including training, workshops, seminars, and access to a statistical and informational database;
Promote the general best interests of the industry
Generally, to promote the best interests of the publishing industry in the Republic and to do all such other things as may be reasonably ancillary thereto.
OUR TEAM
The People Behind South Africa's Publishing Voice.
Our leadership team brings together decades of experience from across the industry — from academic publishing to trade, education to digital.
OUR COMMITTEE
Real Expertise, Voluntarily Given.
Our committee members are publishing professionals who give their time to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges — from sustainability to skills development.
