Unisa Gauteng Region and Mogale City celebrate Library Week

The Unisa Gauteng Region Library recently celebrated the 2024 SA Library Week in collaboration with its long-term partner, Mogale City, under the theme: “Libraries fostering social cohesion.”

From left to right: Victor Mbuqe, Manager: Library Services – Gauteng Region, Unisa; Erin Naude, Deputy Director: Academic and Technology Support – Gauteng Region, Unisa; Dr Smangele Ntuli, Head: Facilitation of Learning – Gauteng Region, Unisa; Dr Nthabiseng Raduvha, Assistant Manager: Library and Information Services: Mogale City; Councillor Dorah Modiko, MMC: Sports, Recreation, Arts, Culture and Heritage - Mogale City; Councillor Mosala Moagaesi Cornelius, Mogale City and Dr Mashilo Modiba, Senior Lecturer: Department of Information Sciences, Unisa.

 In her welcoming address, Councillor Dorah Modiko, MMC: Sports, Recreation, Arts, Culture and Heritage at Mogale City, said: “Libraries are community hubs and safe havens for kids. A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life and plays a fundamental role in society as it fosters social cohesion.”

audience at the Library Week celebration

Outlining the purpose of the event, Victor Mbuqe, Manager of Library Services at the Unisa Gauteng Region, said the event was hosted to celebrate South African Library Week and for librarians to reflect on their roles against the backdrop of working with communities. Mbuqe added: “The event also aimed to celebrate and promote the partnership with Mogale City, which has been running for almost ten years.”

Dr Mangi Ntuli, Head: Facilitation of Learning, shared about Unisa’s  Recognition of Prior Learning and Work Integrated Learning programme and how they contribute towards fostering social cohesion. She used the opportunity to appeal to the Mogale City departments to absorb students for the on-the-job training component needed to complete their studies.

Students consulting at services desk

Dr Nthabiseng Raduvha, Assistant Manager: Library and Information Services in Mogale City, shared information about the city libraries and gave a snapshot of how they foster social cohesion through various projects. Meanwhile, Dr Mashilo Modiba, Senior Lecturer: Department of Information Science, shared the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on fostering social cohesion.

Unisa Radio streamed the live event, and students had an opportunity to share how Unisa has improved their lives.

*By Maphoshane Mary Marodi, Communication and Marketing Officer: Gauteng Region