Philippa Garson
THE future of Ravan Press, renowned for its fierce independence during apartheid, is under threat. Founded by Beyers Naude nearly 25 years ago, Ravan will be absorbed by its holding company Hodder and Stoughton Educational Southern Africa, unless its staff can find a buyer before the end of the month.
Ravan was bought by the South African subsidiary of British-based Hodder & Stoughton in 1994 when dwindling foreign aid put it in jeopardy.
But poor sales over the past six months prompted the decision by Hodder to absorb some staff and close Ravan’s offices. Ravan general manager Monica Seeber said the holding company was committed to honouring contracts to publish future works.