Patrick Lacy, CEO
PrinTalk May 2010 Read more...

IT’S largely unknown that PIFSA staff become involved in a variety of projects and ‘behind-the-scenes’ activities for the overall benefit of the industry.

In many instances, benefits arising from such projects aren’t channelled only towards PIFSA members – successful results cause rain to fall on the fields of both those who fund such activities and those who merely take, without making any contribution at all.

One such activity is the success achieved by PIFSA (admittedly, with the close collaboration of some prominent member companies and a firm of attorneys) in convincing the Department of Trade & Industry to reduce and, in some cases, eliminate tariff protection on paper and other materials and spares used in the wider industry.

However, a project that does not draw a huge amount of attention, despite the vigorous activities of PIFSA staff, is the work done within the SA Book Development Council (SABDC), and the successes achieved over the years. In a recent report to the PIFSA Management Committee, the following statistics were revealed:
 

• 28% of PIFSA members print books of some kind;



• 26% print magazines; and



• 7,5% print newspapers.

It’s accepted that not all these members are dedicated to producing only those final products, but the production of books, magazines and newspapers forms a part of their total commercial offerings.

It’s also estimated by ReadSA that a 10% increase in literacy within the South African population
could result in almost a 100% increase in demand for printed matter, especially within these three
categories.

Over the years, the collective efforts of the SABDC have resulted in a better understanding and
appreciation of the printing sector by various government departments, which have consequently given moral and financial support to projects initiated by the Council – including PIFSA.

It has taken some years to compile comparable figures relating to the origin of books written by
South African authors and this has always been a contentious issue. However, we have now been able to glean the following statistics:
 

• 30,6% of trade books over the last five years were produced locally with the balance imported, either through local agencies or as direct imports.



• Sales have grown from R870-million in 2004 to R1 240-million in 2008.



• 93,9% of educational books were locally produced and sales have increased from R1 150-million in 2004 to R2 066-million in 2008.



• 54,9% of South Africa’s academic books were published locally and the balance imported. In 2004, turnover was R413-million, which increased to R653-million in 2008. This represents an overall turnover increase of 62,7% over four years or an average of 15,6%/annum. Obviously, this is partly the result of inflation and price increases but sales volumes (number of books sold) increased by 31,3% over this period.



• Turnover of imported products increased by 37,3%, while turnover of local products increased by 77,5% and overall the market share of local product increased from 63,3% to 69%.

In an attempt to retain book printing within South Africa, PIFSA, through the SABDC, has stressed during meetings with the Department of Education that the local economy must be supported with resulting job creation and other benefits. We have received an assurance from the Department that all tenders specify that local materials and production are a prerequisite.

On discovering that some regional departments were not following these procedures – using brokers or agents rather than dealing directly with printers – this matter was taken up with both the National Department of Education and with regional governments.

Turning to other efforts, PIFSA supports a National Book Week during September, in conjunction with the Department of Arts & Culture. Printers wishing to add support by providing sponsorships, static displays, workshops or presentations can contact Erich Kühl at PIFSA’s national office.

In addition, PIFSA has successfully made input into the National Book Policy, ensuring that provision is made for incentives for local production. This should apply to the entire printing industry, not just book printers, and the Department of Finance will be included in this initiative in order to attempt to establish the implementation of suitable incentives.

Lastly, advocacy within government ministries and departments, libraries, schools, etc, has provided a much-improved understanding of the importance of literacy, reading and the use of books for all purposes – not just education, which cannot function without them – but also for leisure and relaxation.

PIFSA ‘s work goes on.