Unisa Celebrates Libraries’ Role in Fostering Social Cohesion
The event took place at the Phyllis Ntantala Collaborative Library in East London on 27 March 2024. The library houses the branch libraries of Unisa, the Walter Sisulu University and the University of Fort Hare. The event was organised to not only promote the services offered by Unisa libraries, but also increase awareness of the role of libraries in promoting social cohesion.
Eastern Cape Regional Director, Motale Nkgoang, delivered the welcome address. In his address, he highlighted the fact that the theme, Libraries foster social cohesion, resonates with Unisa’s mission and underlines the institution’s commitment to equitable access to knowledge. He also mentioned that such events are a powerful reminder of the invaluable role that libraries play.
Eastern Cape Regional Director, Motale Nkgoang, and Luyanda Mnapu, Deputy Director of Library and Information Services at the Walter Sisulu University
Dr Connie Bitso, Director of Library and Information Services at the University of Fort Hare, observed that libraries foster social cohesion and promote equity, inclusivity and social justice. She emphasised the need for higher education libraries to prioritise accessibility, accommodate students with special needs and provide safe spaces. She added that libraries should align themselves with graduate attributes, offer information literacy and provide hybrid learning resources, and that universities should contribute to an inclusive and equitable society by meeting students’ diverse learning needs and embracing technology.
Luyanda Mnapu, Deputy Director of Library and Information Services at the Walter Sisulu University, agreed that libraries should embrace technology and emphasised that they should also be inclusive, saying: “We need to balance the needs of students with both printed materials and electronic resources in an effort to create an informed society, where students engage with information.”
Acting Director of Library and Support Services at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus, Dr Lesiba Ledwaba, commented as follows: “Universities, through their libraries, have a critical role to play in support of public libraries. Collaborations and engagements within the public sector should be prioritised in order to bridge the digital divide and foster social cohesion.” It will not only solve fibre-related problems and close the digital gap, but also guarantee internet connectivity in rural areas, Dr Ledwaba added.
Various stakeholders and institutions, including the Walter Sisulu University, the Fort Hare University and Unisa’s Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC) members, attended the event. All representatives delivered a message of support. RSRC member Aseza Nteleza reflected on students’ educational journey at an online distance e-learning institution and encouraged them to make use of the available resources to enhance their learning experience.
Praise singer, Odwa Duru
The renowned praise singer, Odwa Duru, concluded the event by reciting a praise poem in which he recounted Unisa’s iconic history and emphasised the value of building an informed and empowered society. To thank the guests of honour for their attendance, the Regional Director presented each with a gift. East London branch librarian Zimasile Mtyawazo thanked all stakeholders who were present and supported the event.