In a remarkable endeavour aimed at bolstering educational resources in rural communities, MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi of the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation (ACSR) joined forces with Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality Mayor Tshireletso Marabutse on September 13. Together, they unveiled two state-of-the-art libraries in the Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, fulfilling a commitment made during the 2018/19 Budget Speech.
The first of these libraries, located at Raditshane Secondary School in Tlapeng, was named after the distinguished Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, born on September 14, 1925, in Tlapeng Village near Ganyesa. The Dr. Ruth S. Mompati Community Library occupies a spacious 204m² structure and is a tribute to Dr. Mompati's unwavering dedication to the liberation of South Africa.
The second library in Southey is appropriately named the Southey Community Library. It is a testament to the generosity of Kgosi T. Goitsilwe, leader of the Traditional Council of Tlou le Tau, who generously allocated the land for its construction. Spanning an impressive 631m², this library offers many amenities, including an activity/ study room accessible even when the main library is closed.
Furthermore, it features a dedicated children's library with an outdoor play area, an audio-visual room catering to those with visual impairments, a reference section, a separate computer area for public internet access, and a juvenile leisure area or gaming room. The children's section has been thoughtfully designed to support Early Childhood Development programs, nurturing a culture of reading from an early age.
Both libraries are fully air-conditioned and designed to maximize natural light and ventilation. They provide community members the convenience of plugging in and charging their devices within the library premises. Moreover, both libraries boast extensive collections of books, educational toys, devices for the visually impaired, and Wi-Fi connectivity, marking a significant stride in providing essential resources to these communities.
Mme Kenetswe Mosenogi, MEC for the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation, underscored the significance of naming the library after Dr. Ruth Mompati, stating, "It is befitting for us as a department mandated to preserve heritage to honour Mama Ruth's legacy by naming a library after her.
Libraries are sources of information for community life, which aligns with what she stood for." The two libraries offer a comprehensive range of services, including a computer lab with internet access, circulation services, support for the visually impaired, book lending, photocopying/printing facilities, lp a dedicated children's section.
Tinyiko Sempe, Director of Library Services in the province, revealed that an initial collection of 3 851 books has been provided for the library's launch, with ongoing book procurement on an annual basis. Furthermore, both libraries seamlessly integrate into the local and provincial library services, allowing users to make special requests for materials not available in their collections.
This momentous event not only celebrates the legacy of Dr. Ruth S. Mompati but also marks a significant step in enhancing educational opportunities and community life in Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality.
