The University of Fort Hare, in collaboration with various Eastern Cape organisations, have discussed plans to revitalise the historic Lovedale Press building.
The prominent publisher has played a crucial part in the history of black SA literature, but the building has, however, fallen into disarray.
UFH has partnered with the Pan SA Language Board, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, the department of sport, recreation and arts & culture, the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resource Authority (ECPHRA) and trustees of the Lovedale Press. Cebo Ntaka is one of the people who attended the meeting in his capacity as a trustee of the Lovedale Press.
“We identified the issues we need to address before revitalising the building. It is going to be a long process. We need finances to properly execute these plans and money to cover the rent debt that we owe the landlord,” Ntaka said.
Lovedale Press was established as a small printing press in 1823 by the Glagow Missionary Society. It was destroyed twice during wars and the present press building dates from 1861, according to Rhodes University Library. The press was also the first to publish the first Xhosa translated Bible.
The last book published by the press was a 2015 Xhosa primary school book.
Historian and author, Trevor Webster, shared his thoughts on Lovedale Press receiving recognition as a historical site.
“I support all efforts to resuscitate the Lovedale Press, especially when one considers its important role in empowering black people. Eastern Cape has a rich heritage and we should be mindful of the historic achievements by preserving our history,” Webster said.
The building has no electricity or running water and is filled with dusty boxes and broken pieces of old machinery.
ECPHRA is responsible for various types of heritage resources in the province. ECPHRA manager Azola Mkosana, said the institution planned to work hard to ensure that Lovedale Press received recognition as an official heritage site.
“Part of our mandate is to co-ordinate the identification of heritage resources that have such qualities and values that they may be of special provincial heritage significance. Then we need to investigate the possibility of declaring these places as provincial heritage sites.
“As ECPHRA, we have committed to work with Lovedale Press to initiate the process of grading and declaration of the site,” Mkosana said.
