Issued by: SA Communication Service
STATEMENT ON STATE PUBLISHING OF EDUCATIONAL TEXTBOOKS
The Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology sees the development of the cultural industries as one of its main objectives. With this in mind, the Department is facilitating the development of economic growth strategies for the various cultural industries, through its Cultural Industries Growth Strategy.
The cultural industries contribute to economic growth at the same time as facilitating cultural expression and nation building.
The commercial book publishing industry in South Africa is currently worth an estimated R1,2 billion per annum and has significant growth potential. For many publishing companies, textbook publishing is the core of their business that allows them to publish less profitable cultural books.
The Department is concerned about any measures that might hamper the development of a thriving independent publishing sector as this would result in the loss of valuable opportunities to stimulate job-creating growth and to support the expression and development of local culture.
Media enquiries: Andile Xaba (012) 314-6313 (tel) (012) 322-0165 (fax)
22 January 1997