NEWS

ABOLISH VAT ON BOOKS

Access to education is a burning issue in South Africa, and although affordability of fees is a primary issue for many disadvantaged students, their struggles don’t stop there, as they still need to incur the costs of textbooks and living expenses. As a result many financially strapped students drop out of tertiary studies or give up hope of furthering their education. Van Schaik Bookstore believes that students need more support and Government needs to take action, and is calling for the abolition of VAT on books.

Nearly every student, studying at any level of education, requires some sort of textbook for use in their studies. With students all around the country, having recently returned to their places of study, will be reaching deep into their pockets to fork out the large sums of money required for fees and textbooks. Many people who could not afford the fees and books that are required will not return to studying this year, or may not begin studying at all.

The continued taxation on literature is a direct taxation on the knowledge of our people. Reading a book, becoming a literate South African, can open up so many opportunities and improved education levels stimulate the economy.

We experience the financial plight of students every year when they come in to buy their textbooks – Books are expensive to publish, and as much as they are an investment in your career, they are costly to buy. We do everything we can to provide the best range of stock at a fair price and discount where we can, but taking VAT off books would effectively put much needed money back into students' pockets.

If less tax was charged on books, more people, both rich and poor, would be able to afford them; more people would be able to read, to learn and to further their education.

Higher levels of education are what the Government is striving for, and as such invest billions of Rand annually in education. Some of this money is used to purchase books for school and tertiary students. For every free text book Government funds, it receives 14% back in the form of VAT. If the sale of these books was VAT free, it would mean that 14% more funds would become available for book and resource material purchases. Abolishment of VAT on textbooks is therefore a direct way to increase funding for Education.

Yet, the concept of VAT exemption on books is not unique. Other countries that have freed books from tax include Poland, Russia, Ireland, Norway, Ghana, Uganda and Kenya.

Van Schaik is calling on students and interested people to add their voices to the call to exempt VAT from textbooks. Visit the Van Schaik “Abolish VAT on books” discussion Fan Page on Facebook, to join the debate or email us at vsb@vanschaik.com with your views.

The Need for Change

If you put a frog in water and slowly heat it, the frog will eventually be boiled to death. We too will not survive if we do not respond to the radical way in which the world is changing" – C. Handy

For nearly a century, Van Schaik Bookstore has existed and established itself as a trusted name in the academic textbook market. Technology and customers' expectations change and we need to reposition our business as a competitive and relevant brand to serve our customers better.

We have learned, in speaking to the South African student market, that the bulk of students, whilst responsible about their studies, are outcomes-oriented and see learning as a ticket to a great future, rather than learning as an end in itself. This market research was done with 1350 students and 135 lecturers on how they perceived Van Schaik Bookstore and what services they require from the brand.

Understanding this can help direct the way we prioritise innovation within Van Schaik, rather than being idealistic about becoming a haven of knowledge. We need to direct our focus to add value to students' lives by helping students to get through their degrees, successfully and enjoyably, and setting them up for post-university success.

Our locations still differentiate us and we need to invest in and enhance our physical stores. By doing this we can optimise on basic delivery.

The changes that were identified were:

• Our corporate identity:
  
  Our new logo
  
   
  
• The look and feel of stores and our product range that we offer:
  
  Cape Town – Shop 1, 22 Long Street, Cnr. Strand and Long Street
  
   
  
  
  Soweto - Shop 242, Maponya Mall
  
   
  

By enhancing the customers' shopping experience, Van Schaik Bookstore will be introduced as a knowledge navigator to help students to find their way to knowledge.

The launch of our new corporate brand identity was implemented countrywide from 1 December 2009. Change was required and we have done this in an effort to adapt to our customers changing needs. These changes will be taking place gradually as we reposition ourselves in the market.

Van Schaik Bookstore is South Africa's indispensable academic destination, assisting people with the tools and content they need for their studies and careers.

With 47 stores throughout South Africa and an online store supplying textbooks and reference books to students and professionals, we will continue to offer the excellent, accessible service customers are accustomed to.

Most recently, Van Schaik Bookstore has also extended its reliable, convenient service to parents who can now order their children's school textbooks online at www.vanschaik.com. A full range of prescribed school textbooks will soon be available to order online via secure payment options, and delivery can be arranged.

Our new brand positioning will be perceived as:

• The Knowledge Navigator,
• A credible friend to help you through learning and life,
• And a solution provider.

Our Vision:

Africa's preferred academic resource supplier.

Our Mission:

Supply of academic resources to all students in Africa via retail stores and digital channels, by utilizing our expert knowledge and well developed infrastructure to deliver outstanding service.

Our Values:

Respect, Informed, Excellence, Creativity and Integrity.