eMBALENHLE – A group of pupils from four secondary schools in the Gert Sibande District demand that public libraries must be properly equipped.
Pipiks from Sizwakele Secondary School in eMbalenhle, Tsepeha Secondary School in Grootvlei, Nqobangolwazi Secondary School in Morgenzon and Setsheng Secondary School in Balfour said this during the library debate at the eMbalenhle Public Library on Friday, 12 September.
The debate was hosted by the Standerton Regional Library under the topic Is There any Change Brought by Libraries in the 20 years of Democracy.
The debate was to uncover talent, confidence and passion among pupils in public schools that have English as a second language.
The topic highlights how libraries are making the right to freedom of access to information as enshrined in the Bill of Rights, a reality and how they contribute to nation building and community development by opening the doors of learning to all.
The pupils said when they need information for assignments, they have only outdated resources to explore.
They said none of the books applicable to the curriculum and assessment policy statements are available in libraries.
“Literacy levels in our townships are alarmingly low because of the poor state of the libraries.”
However, pupils from Langelihle Primary School in eMzinoni and Nalithuba Secondary School in Amersfoort disagreed with the other schools.
They said public libraries in their area are playing an important role in encouraging children to read.
Setsheng won the debate with 151 points and will represent the region in the provincial debate during National Library Week next year.
Langelihle came second with 150 points and Nqobangolwazi third with 147 points.
Sizwakele had 129 points, Tsepeha 124 and Nalithuba 118 points.
