Two editions of The CVR Tourist Guide to Southern Africa (1967–68 and 1970).

These two editions of The CVR Tourist Guide to Southern Africa (1967–68 and 1970) are compelling cultural and political artefacts from a transformative era in South African publishing and corporate history.

Corporate Diplomacy and State-Backed Tourism

At the bottom of both covers, the fine print reveals the heavy backing behind these publications: “Sponsored by Volkskas Limited and Rondalia Touring Club in the interests of tourism.”

During the late 1960s, Afrikaner capital institutions like Volkskas Bank and Rondalia (a prominent motoring and touring club established as an Afrikaner alternative to the AA) aggressively funded high-quality, English-language promotional material. These guides were designed to project an image of stability, infrastructural modernization, and scenic wonder to wealthy international visitors and local travelers alike, acting as soft diplomacy tools during a period of growing international isolation.

The Vision of Chris van Rensburg

The "CVR" in the title stands for Chris van Rensburg, a highly influential figure in South African directory and state-aligned publishing. His firm, Chris van Rensburg Publications, specialized in massive, heavily illustrated promotional volumes, industrial reviews, and comprehensive regional guides. Today, these early editions serve as a pristine time capsule, detailing the hospitality landscape, transport networks, and commercial architecture of southern Africa at the absolute peak of the mid-20th century economic boom.

300mm x 450mm

Worn at the edges.

R1,000 for both