The documentation of South African bibliography has for many years been regarded as very substantial, and by far the best on the African continent.

South Africa has a long-standing tradition of excellent bibliographies, which date back to the middle of the nineteenth century.

In more recent years, the country's bibliographical equipment has been increasingly strengthened to the extent that it now holds its own with the best anywhere, and not just on the continent of Africa.

As Chairman of the SAILIS Award for Bibliography for the past decade, since its inception in the mid-1980s, I have always been fully aware of, and greatly impressed by, the bibliographic work of high standing which continues to appear and to fill the remaining gaps in the nation's bibliographical record.