Westonaria Library celebrates Madiba Day

Library Information Service (LIS) for the greater Westonaria were proud and privileged to join the world in wishing a very happy birthday to our first democratically elected president and father of the Nation, Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela.

In order to do justice to this preeminent icon of humanity LIS Westonaria called on community members to help clothe needy children from Thusanang and Simunye. In this way LIS Westonaria reflects on how library services are shifting and evolving to meet community needs.

Programme Librarian for LIS Westonaria, Righardt le Roux, said: “My hope was to be able to get warm clothing for some of the 80 odd children who attended a puppet show at the Thusanang Modular Library.”

“These kids were poorly dressed on a cold winter morning.

“Three telephone calls later I had enough money to secure jerseys for all the children. I just thought this was an idea worth spreading amongst my friends and mentors who constantly help me develop and bring clarity as to our role we play in our communities. In my view, the future of libraries depends on community engagement. This should be the center-piece of effective library practice.”

Because Mr Mandela is our lodestar and because he is loved and cherished for bringing about a non-racial democratic and free South Africa, many people from the community at large responded by at least sponsoring one jersey to a child in need, proving Mandela’s extraordinary power in bringing people together and ensuring a better life for others.

Almost 170 jerseys, snack packs and books were handed out to children at Thusanang and Simunye. Community members united in reaching out to fellow human beings, especially the poor and the marginalised with love and care remembering that every positive gesture matters.

In his name LIS Westonaria was able to uphold the values which define Mandela.

“It is our responsibility to continue advocating peace and democracy in our communities,” says Righardt le Roux. “As custodians of the youth we have a responsibility and a duty to continue his noble project and work to bring to fruition his vision of a world free of poverty and oppression.”

LIS Westonaria thanks Tokky Morolo – Westonaria Municipality, Angelique Rood – Westonaria Municipality, Richard Vogel, Renzia van Zyl, Brenda Kirsten, Beverley Backman, Dawn Bekker, Riekie le Roux, A van Tonder, V van Tonders, Bonolo Mndila, The Little Hands Trust and Philani Development Centre for their contribution to this successful project.