The provincial government’s landmark initiative to support emerging Eastern
Cape authors has received a major vote of confidence from local industry
leaders.
Cape authors has received a major vote of confidence from local industry
leaders.
With 11 aspiring writers selected for full publishing support and 16 others
equipped with digital laptops through public-private partnerships, the
regional literary ecosystem is undergoing a historic transformation.
equipped with digital laptops through public-private partnerships, the
regional literary ecosystem is undergoing a historic transformation.
At the heart of this movement is KuGompo City’s Harry’s Printers.
Speaking to the Go! on the outcomes of the recent department of sports, recreation, arts and culture (Dsrac) Book Fair 2026, Harry’s Printers director, Poonam Harry, was excited by how the nearly century-old printing and communications institution is actively bridging the gap between raw manuscripts and published books.
She said they aim to make the path from manuscript to book clearer, more achievable, and supportive to authors.
“We help writers understand the practical steps involved in preparing,
printing, and producing a book, and discuss options suited to their project
and budget,” Harry said.
printing, and producing a book, and discuss options suited to their project
and budget,” Harry said.
“For emerging writers working in Eastern Cape languages, access means being welcomed, listened to, and supported in bringing work to readers.”
South Africa’s 2021 PIRLS assessment revealed that roughly 81% of grade 4 pupils could not read for meaning – a national literacy crisis that Dsrac and its corporate partners are
determined to address.
determined to address.
For Harry’s Printers, fostering a robust reading and writing culture in regional indigenous languages is central to fixing the educational system.
“We are passionate about supporting local language publications, especially the official Eastern Cape languages of English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and Sesotho,” Harry said.
“A reading and writing culture in local languages speaks directly to improving our education system.
“Through book fairs and events like these, we create an enabling environment to spur this process.”
To support this mission, Harry’s Printers boasts an in-house team of
publishing experts, including editors and translators across all official
provincial languages – alongside expert print professionals to guide writers –
from concept to bookshelf.
publishing experts, including editors and translators across all official
provincial languages – alongside expert print professionals to guide writers –
from concept to bookshelf.
One of the defining successes of this year’s book fair was its expansion into
eco-tourism and rural hubs, such as Hogsback.
eco-tourism and rural hubs, such as Hogsback.
Harry said decentralised regional events allowed local readers to discover home-grown talent while giving writers a direct platform to connect with audiences and business
opportunities.
opportunities.
“In communities such as Hogsback, these events encourage local organisations and businesses to help books reach people throughout the year – not only during the fair.
“Connecting to the community helps us build supportive environments that include more locally targeted content, future workshops, and industry considerations aimed at encouraging more people to join as writers or readers.”
As the publishing world evolves, the discussion around traditional print
versus digital formats remains top-of mind.
versus digital formats remains top-of mind.
Harry views print and digital mediums not as competitors, but as
complementary tools.
complementary tools.
While printed books offer a lasting, tangible reading experience, digital
avenues allow local authors to reach global audiences.
avenues allow local authors to reach global audiences.
Harry revealed that the company was formalising its online distribution
framework toward the end of the year, with e-books and audiobooks set to
launch next year.
framework toward the end of the year, with e-books and audiobooks set to
launch next year.
The fair also tackled the modern frontier of artificial intelligence.
Facilitating a high-profile panel on AI’s implications for publishing, Harry led
discussions on whether AI is a “friend or foe” to creative storytellers.
discussions on whether AI is a “friend or foe” to creative storytellers.
“The advent of AI poses challenges, but there is a clear need to embrace
these tools intentionally and resposnsibily.
these tools intentionally and resposnsibily.
“We must use available technology to hone writing skills rather than taking away from the authentic voice and perspective of authors.”
For both the provincial government and private sector partners, the ultimate measure of success lies in grassroots impact.
Alongside adult publishing calls and author workshops, the book fair
featured a heartwarming “Children’s Corner” designed to make reading fun and interactive for young learners.
featured a heartwarming “Children’s Corner” designed to make reading fun and interactive for young learners.
“The Children’s Corner was definitely a highlight, heartwarming and encouraging to see kids engage and have fun with local literary works, games, and content,” Harry said.
“Harry’s Printers’ history gives us a strong foundation, but our focus
remains on how we can continue serving the region and supporting its writers and readers today,” she added.
remains on how we can continue serving the region and supporting its writers and readers today,” she added.
With strong public-private partnerships, financial backing from FP&M Seta, digital hardware from Metropolitan, and technical printing expertise from Harry’s Printers, the Eastern Cape’s literary future looks brighter than ever.
Harry is committed to helping
emerging Eastern Cape writers
bring their stories to print and
promoting literacy in indigenous
languages.
