About the Press
Established in 1823 at the Tyume Valley (Alice, Eastern Cape), Lovedale Press is one of South Africa’s oldest and most significant heritage institutions. Originally founded by the Glasgow Missionary Society, it became a foundational site for African intellectual life, pioneering the publication of literature in indigenous languages, most notably isiXhosa. Lovedale is renowned for publishing seminal works such as Sol Plaatje’s Mhudi, A.C. Jordan’s Ingqumbo Yeminyanya, and the early writings of S.E.K. Mqhayi.
The digitisation and online accessibility of the Lovedale Press archive is a collaborative effort facilitated by Rhodes University. Through the extensive holdings of the Cory Library for Humanities Research, this project ensures that rare, out-of-print, and historically significant materials are preserved for future generations.
Why this partnership matters:
· Historical Stewardship: The Cory Library houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Lovedale’s institutional records, manuscripts, and early imprints.
· Open Access to Heritage: By leveraging Rhodes University's academic infrastructure, these works are being moved from physical shelves to an Open Monograph Press (OMP) environment, making them accessible to scholars and the public worldwide.
· Cultural Restoration: This initiative supports the "Victory of the Word" campaign, aiming to revitalise the press’s legacy and ensure that the voices of the Eastern Cape’s intellectual pioneers remain a living part of South Africa’s literary landscape
