PIENAAR – Msogwaba Library recently celebrated four years of service in this township at an event in conjunction with with National Library Week.
The event was characterised by speeches, motivations and educational drama rendered by learners from nearby schools. Certificates and awards were presented to individuals as well as stakeholders who’d made a significant contribution to the day-to-day running of this source of information.
“Many people think of Pienaar as a notorious place but we had a vision for the area and its people, hence the opening of the library four years ago.
“Beyond our vision there is renewed hope as the number of people who make use of the library as a source of information increases day by day. As the local librarians, together with the friend of the library and users including local schools, we think positively about the youth of this area,” said Mr Michael Matsane.
It was heard that the library was regarded as the best, hence its recognition by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in previous years.
Its librarians had also received individual certificates from a number of organisations, like the African Youth Union (AYU), schools and other organisations. One of them, Mr Elvis Khoza, was even nominated as librarian of the year in 2013.
The event was attended by the president of the AYU, Mr Timothy Mugerwa, who urged the librarians to focus attention on the next four years, “Working together on various projects we will achieve the objectives of this library.” He urged the community and learners to use it profitably to acquire information, knowledge and references.
“Make it a habit to come here every day to read – you can become whatever you like with education. There are books and the Internet here which you may use free of charge,” he added.
Mugerwa also thanked the staff and management of the library. “You’ve created a rich legacy for which history will one day remember you.
It should not stop here, but be carried to the next generations,” he said.
The library awarded certificates of appreciation to various schools and Mpumalanga News, among others. Special awards were presented to stakeholders for financially supporting the library, including the AYU, Mr Sandile Shongwe of Khisani Hardware, Ms Vanvoy Silinda of Gogo Entrepreneurs, Mr Amos Mabuza, and posthumously to businessman and
Past Morris Langa of the Baptist Community Church who had died the day before the celebration. “His work will always be appreciated by us, and may his soul rest in peace,” said the librarians.
