Professional Expertise
High-impact Strategy Development
With over two decades of strategic leadership across multiple sectors, Elitha van der Sandt brings an unparalleled depth of expertise in fostering economic and social transformation across the African continent. Her career has been a testament to innovation, resilience, and a commitment to driving meaningful change, whether in government, non-profit or industry spaces. Now, as an independent strategic analyst, she leverages her extensive experience to support organisations in achieving sustainable growth, effective governance and impactful change. Her approach is characterised by a keen analytical insight, adaptability, and a visionary perspective that enables her to deliver results in diverse and challenging environments.
Achievements
Research and Development
- First National Book Reading Survey, 2006
- The independent economic study The Factors Influencing the Cost of Books in South Africa
- Research into Book Development Internationally, 2009
- Second National Book Reading Survey of Adult South Africans, 2016
Strategy and Policy Development
Lead researcher and author:
- Draft National Book Policy, 2005
- Draft National Book Development Plan, 2009
- Ministerial Report on the Growth and Development of the South African Book Industry, 2012.
Event conceptualisation and management
- National Book Week, 2010 – 2020
- National Digital Conference for Book Publishing, 2015
- South African Book Fair, 2017 – 2020
- ANFASA Inaugural International Power of Authors Conference, 2021
- Franschhoek Literary Festival, 2022-2024
International and Regional Cooperation
- Joint Committee SA Swedish Cultural Partnership, 2006 – 2010
- SA Market Focus London Book Fair, 2011
- SA Participation at Montreuil Children’s Book Fair Paris, 2013
- High-level Conference on the Continental Book & Reading Policy in Kenya, 2019
- High-level Conference on the Continental Book & Reading Policy in Rwanda, 2019
- African Union Library Reading Policy in Ethiopia, 2019
- Pan African Book Fair Collaboration, Kenya| Nigeria| South Africa, 2020
- Cairo International Book Fair, South African Book Fair, Egypt, 2020
Current Projects
- UNESCO Book Publishing Country Mapping South Africa, 2024
- UNESCO Mapping of the Book and Publishing Sector in Africa, Team Lead, 2024-2025