On Wednesday (12 February) the home-grown company African Sun Media marked the launch of its new print plant situated at The Woodmill in Devon Valley.
The facility was blessed by renowned former anti-apartheid cleric, theologian and author Dr Allan Boesak, 11 of whose most recent works have been published by African Sun Media, a fact he is most proud of and spoke of it. “While the mere printing of a book is more mundane, the staff and public must be aware of the kind of knowledge and learning that enters the academic enterprise so heavily shaped by the West in the geopolitics of knowledge production,” he said.
Boesak was full of praise for the Stellenbosch-rooted company, which relocated late last year, and with which he had a close bond with the business, and especially its Managing Director, Nirode Bramdaw.
“I said ‘yes’ almost immediately when I got this invitation to open this plant, given my long association with African Sun Media, which dates back to early 2000s. Most of my work has been published by this business. But more than that, I have grown a very special friendship with the Managing Director Nirode Bramdaw, and in different way, with so many of you here today.”
Quoting the Book of Proverbs, Boesak said that those who are dedicated to their work can stand before kings, they do not have to stand before those of lesser stature, in a motivational message to the many staffers to which African Sun Media affords employment.
“When one thinks about it, it doesn’t only talk only about a worker who knows what they are doing, but is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Nirode Bramdaw’s mother Rookaya and, by so doing so, maintains that for which they have striven, for so long. Each footprint that we leave must become a footstep for the building on this legacy, so each one of us must become part of this legacy.”
He further interpreted the Bible quote: “When it speaks of standing with Kings, it is not hierarchical, but rather that when you work with dedication and knowledge, you stand with kings. Kings are people who actually know what they are doing.”
In response to Boesak, Bramdaw thanked him, adding that it is a privilege to work closely with such a world-renowned author and had occasionally co-published his work with American publishers, many of whom preferred African Sun Media’s design and output.
Speaking on the challenges of relocating a print plant in a matter of weeks, Bramdaw said it was a work in progress and was expected to come to full fruition soon. “I would like to thank all of you involved in making the successful move possible. Through this we have improved company efficiency and communication, operating at one location.”
Thanking creative director Melinda Bolton, Bramdaw recounted how many local and international authors were delighted at the way in which she comprehended content and then interpreted it into innovative design concepts. “African Sun Media is South Africa’s and indeed Africa’s leading scholarly publisher.”
According to sales manager Lucinda Cupido the launch was not just of a facility, but bore testament to the commitment and dedication to providing innovative print solutions and the team’s passion and efforts in going the extra mile to accept any challenge.
“None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, which is committed to delivering value to our clients, many of whom with which we share decades-long mutually trusted relationships. We look forward to sharing this journey and new beginning with all of you.”
For more information on African Sun Media and its ever growing catalogue of more than 450 books, visit www.africansunmedia.co.za.
