Publishing against Apartheid South Africa
A Case Study of Ravan Press

The Element examines the role of Ravan Press and oppositional print culture in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.

Elizabeth le Roux (Author)

9781108737753, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 7 January 2021

75 pages
12.5 x 18 x 0.7 cm, 0.13 kg

In many parts of the world, oppositional publishing has emerged in contexts of state oppression. In South Africa, censorship laws were enacted in the 1960s, and the next decade saw increased pressure on freedom of speech and publishing. With growing restrictions on information, activist publishing emerged. These highly politicised publishers had a social responsibility, to contribute to social change. In spite of their cultural, political and social importance, no academic study of their history has yet been undertaken. This Element aims to fill that gap by examining the history of the most vocal and arguably the most radical of this group, Ravan Press. Using archival material, interviews and the books themselves, this Element examines what the history of Ravan reveals about the role of oppositional print culture.

1. Publishing and protest
2. Beginnings
3. Writing for liberation
4. A balancing act
5. Transition
6. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Ethnic studies [JFSL], Ethical issues: censorship [JFMD], Media studies [JFD], National liberation & independence, post-colonialism [HBTR], African history [HBJH], Literature & literary studies [D]