Ad Donker

Who was Ad Donker?

Adriaan Donker was a pioneer in South African publishing. Born in Bilthoven, the Netherlands, he learnt book publishing from his father and Collier Macmillan in London and New York. He emigrated as sales representative to South Africa in 1966.

Under Apartheid many of Donker’s Publications were considered „subversive“. Despite pressure from government officials, surveillance by the security police, including threats of loss of passport and illegal house searches, Donker adamantly continued publishing social critical works.

He was founder and director of the “Centre of Creative Arts“ in Durban initiating the international Poetry Festival and The Time of the Writer.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his contribution to South African literature.