PASA Sustainability Sub-Committee
The purpose of the PASA Sustainability Sub-Committee is to:
Raise awareness of goals and sustainability with PASA members, specifically relevant to the South African market;
Share relevant information (including any government legislation);
Provide practical advice and guidance to help members to reduce their carbon footprint; and
Track progress of sustainability goals in the industry (in the medium-term).
Rob Laing
Chairperson - PASA Sustainability sub-committee
Rob is the chairperson of the PASA Sustainability subcommittee. Rob is Managing Director of Cambridge University Press Sub Saharan Africa and has spent over twenty-five years’ within the education sector in Sub Saharan Africa having previously gained experience with both Oxford University Press and Maskew Miller Longman. Rob is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a passionate trail junkie and surf skier.
Hetta Pieterse
Commissioning Editor and Manager
Commissioning Editor and Manager Hetta Pieterse has worked at Unisa Press in various roles across the scholarly publishing spectrum, from editorial, graphic design, marketing, and lately as Commissioning Editing – advising authors on book content and structure, including PhD to book conversion. In April 2022 Hetta completed her MA degree in Information Science (on open access business models for local scholarly book publishers, Unisa). Hetta also holds a three-year Fine Arts Diploma(UJ), a BA(Ed) degree, HonsBA degree (English Literature, University of Pretoria) and two Centre for Business Management Diplomas (one in Marketing and one in Entrepreneurship, Unisa). She is an artist doing printmaking (drawings, etchings and monoprints), has worked at the Cite des Arts, Paris, France, and has exhibited locally as well as overseas. On weekends she works within a community volunteer team to paint murals on walls and bridges in Pretoria (`Die Moot Projek’, since November 2022).
Chéri
Sustainability and Publishing Project Manager
Chéri is the Sustainability and Publishing Project Manager of Cambridge University Press Sub Saharan Africa. She previously worked at the South African Book Development Council and is passionate about building and developing the industry. She has also served on PASA’s Skills Development Committee. Chéri currently champions environmental, social and governance awareness and initiatives across Africa, with a particular focus on driving engagement within Cambridge’s South African branch. She is passionate about finding purpose in what she does and being able to contribute to meaningful change and diving into sustainability has been an incredible way to make that change tangible. Being part of PASA’s Sustainability Committee gives Chéri the opportunity to help people see the abundance in living sustainably, and to empower and inspire them to take action.
Dusanka Stojakovic
Senior Executive at New Africa Books
Dusanka Stojakovic has held senior positions at a several Macmillan companies and is currently the most senior executive at New Africa Books - an independent publisher which merged with David Philip Publishers in 1999. Recognising a gap in the market for childrens' books with African content, New Africa Books has become the only wholly owned South African publishing company to publish books for children and Young Adults, in all eleven languages. In 2022,New Africa Books won the Bologna Prize for the Best Children's Publisher in Africa.
Vimal Nathoo
Facilities Manager at Oxford University Press
Vimal Nathoo is the Facilities Manager at Oxford University Press South Africa. With a strong sense of responsibility and purpose, Vimal ensures that buildings and workspaces are safe, efficient, and comfortable for everyone who uses them. His role involves overseeing maintenance and repairs, managing budgets, and coordinating with various departments, directly impacting the productivity and well-being of countless individuals. Vimal's dedication to solving problems, improving systems, and seeing the tangible results of his efforts motivates him to tackle each day with enthusiasm. His commitment to creating a well-functioning environment fuels his passion for his role. Vimal's work is crucial in ensuring that Oxford University Press South Africa operates smoothly and effectively, benefiting both employees and visitors alike.
Vanessa Duff
Operations Director at Oxford University Press
Vanessa Duff is the Operations Director for Oxford University Press (Africa). With 20 years’ experience in the publishing industry, she has held different roles across Editorial, Product and Operations, serving the southern and East African markets. She has been fortunate to lead high-functioning teams in delivering high-stakes projects. She strives to define and embed optimal publishing and operational processes. She tries to instill in her teams a sense of curiousity, and a gritty determination to get things done. She believes that there is always a better way of doing things, one simply needs to start with the question “why?”. Vanessa is mom to two busy girls and many badly behaved pets. She loves spending time outdoors, with friends and family, and travelling as much as possible.
Monique Hayes
Assistant lecturer in the Department of Information Science
Monique Hayes holds both a Bachelor’s and an Honours degree in Publishing from the University of Pretoria. During her Honours studies, she served as an assistant lecturer in the Department of Information Science at the same university. Her research during this period concentrated on alternative publishing models, particularly the role of libraries in promoting environmental sustainability. Monique’s commitment to sustainable development is further examined in her Master’s research at the University of Witwatersrand. Concurrently, she is engaged in freelance work as a designer and editor, collaborating with esteemed publishers such as KREST House and Bridge Books.
Bheki Gumede
Member of PASA’s Sustainability Committee
Bheki Gumede is a skilled Electronic Originator, Typesetter and Proofreader with extensive experience in the printing and publishing industry. He has worked on a wide variety of projects, including magazines, books, journals and study materials, always ensuring high quality, clear layout and accuracy. Bheki is currently studying towards a master’s degree in Publishing, showing a strong commitment to professional growth and the future of the publishing industry. As a member of PASA’s Sustainability Committee, he brings technical expertise and deep passion for building a more inclusive, eco-friendly and innovative publishing landscape in South Africa.
