The purpose of this research is to suggest possible scenarios all CCI stakeholders (including all three spheres of government) with guidelines for better planning and recommending uses of strategic foresight (or forecasting) in decision making and policy
Written communication has evolved as new technologies were developed and will continue to do so. Books are so plentiful it seems difficult to imagine a world without them. New technologies are not only changing the way we consume books but is having an impact on the industry.
Although there are challenges the fourfold goal of the South African Book Policy including: More South African writers telling South African stories in South African languages; More South African book published and printed in South Africa; More books available to all South Africans in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas; and the reading culture across entire South African society including reading for leisure and understanding.
The reading culture in South Africa is declining and new forms of recreational activities are competing for potential readers’ time. Literacy rate are not as much as a deterrent as it was in the past but nevertheless does play a role. Parents are guardians are not reading as much to their children as they could be.
They are writers, may of whom write for their own pleasure (mainly poets). However, many potential writers are not writing because of the size of the South African market. There are also few full-time authors in South Africa because it is difficult to make a living on writing alone. The National Arts Council, The DBE, Lotto, and other institution providing financial assistance or making decisions on purchasing books could make grants available to suitable writers. The sector has transformed, more needs to be done. More new black publishers be established each year. This would include one new black publisher province and to new black publishers for the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) supports black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs to acquire funding for their businesses. The SEFA offers entrepreneurs finances to start and grow their businesses.
