About Me
A History of Positive Impact
About Elitha van der Sandt
Elitha van der Sandt is a visionary strategist and former CEO with an exceptional track record in advancing economic and social transformation across South Africa and the African continent. Her career spans over 20 years of strategic leadership, including roles in organizational development, policy formulation, and sector growth within high-impact industries such as health, education, publishing, and land reform. Known for her innovative problem-solving and ability to navigate complex challenges, she brings a fresh perspective to strategic analysis—helping organizations not just to grow, but to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape.
Leadership
CEO of the South African Book Development Council – Spearheaded industry transformation, established national campaigns like National Book Week, and successfully led sectoral initiatives. 2002 -2021
Joint Committee Member – SA/Swedish Cultural Partnership Programme 2004 – 2010, Department of Sport, Arts & Culture (DSAC)
Board Member – Academic and Non-Fiction Authors’ Association 2004-2009; 2012-2015; 2017–2021
Ministerial Task Team – on the South African Book Sector 2010 – 2012, DSAC
Lead Consultant, ANFASA International Power of Authors Conference – Conceptualized South Africa’s first major international conference on author rights, positioning the organization as a leader in author advocacy
Festival Director, Franschhoek Literary Festival – Analysed and restructured the festival’s operations and financial frameworks, developed a sustainable sponsorship model, and created a cohesive brand identity that strengthens community engagement. 2022-2024.
Key Accomplishments
Franschhoek Literary Festival Director (2022 – Present): Spearheaded the organisational development of the festival, introducing strategic and sustainable measures that involved a full analysis of the Non-Profit Company’s (NPC) operations. Led initiatives on corporate governance, team development, audience strategy, sponsorship, and budgetary frameworks to establish a robust and sustainable annual event.
Pioneer of the Pan African Book Fair Collaboration: In 2019, initiated and led the Pan African Book Fair Collaboration, fostering unity among ten African countries. This groundbreaking initiative promoted local book production and supported a cultural exchange among African writers, illustrators, and storytellers. Plans for 2024 include expanding this effort with the launch of a Pan African Literary Festival in Cape Town by August 2025, aimed at bridging the continent with the diaspora.
Founding Force Behind the South African Book Fair: Conceptualised and implemented the South African Book Fair, establishing the country’s premier national literary event that has since become a staple in promoting South African and African literary voices.
International and National Cultural Representation: Represented South Africa in key international book and cultural forums, including leading the SA delegation to the Montreuil Children’s Book Fair in Paris in 2013. Served on the Steering Committee for South Africa’s Market Focus at the London Book Fair (2009-2010) and as a Joint Committee Member for the SA/Swedish Cultural Partnership Programme (2004-2010).
Strategic and Sustainable Festival Development: As the Festival Director for the Franschhoek Literary Festival, introduced comprehensive strategies to ensure the festival’s long-term sustainability, encompassing new revenue models, enhanced brand identity, and targeted audience engagement.