arts & cultureDepartment:Arts and CulturePROVINCE OF KWAZULU-NATAL

quarterly newsletter of kzn library service

In this issue

LAMs Conference 2014

Conversation with a local author

The value of computer games

New books

Library news

kznlibrarian

vol. 17 no. 4oct - dec 2014

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Conference 2014

Libraries, Archives, Museums and Language Services held their seventh joint annual conference

at the International Convention Centre in Durban from 25 - 27 November, this year celebrating 20 Years of Democ-racy. Almost 900 delegates from around KwaZulu-Natal enjoyed a variety of interesting and informative talks ac-cording to their respective professional interests.

While waiting for the plenary session to begin delegates were entertained by Gogo Mabengu and the rhythmic sounds of her traditional instrument, followed by an exhibition of dancing in various genres by the Nateshwar Dance Academy. Cllr Logie Naidoo welcomed everyone on behalf or the Mayor of eThekwini, Cllr Nxumalo.

“In South Africa we are blessed that we live in a multi-cultural society with a rich history” he said. “We are now celebrat-ing 20 years of democracy and we can be very proud of what we have achieved”. He lauded the KZN Depart-ment of Arts and Culture for its achieve-ments in the field of libraries, archives and museums.

HOD, Mrs ES Nzimande, formally apolo-gised on behalf of MEC of Arts and Culture, Mrs N Sibhidla-Saphetha, who

was unable to attend. However, del-egates were able to listen to the MEC’s recorded message to them, in which she quoted Maya Angelou: “Information is so important… Information helps you to see that you’re not alone”.

The MEC said that since 1994, great strides have been made in the province with access to information, with over 65 new public libraries built and five more in the pipeline. The Department has also embarked on a programme to revitalise Archives Services with the Oral History Programme and new museums to repat-riate artefacts and reflect the history of everybody. Writing programmes have been established by Language Services and work closely with the Department of Education. The HOD awarded prizes to winners of the Language Services writing competition.

After lunch, the directorates broke into their individual sessions. Library Services Senior Manager, Nokuthula Ndlovu, talked to librarians about the achieve-ments and challenges of the Service and particularly about the RFID project. The first afternoon ended on a posi-tive note with author, Derryn Campbell, talking about her book Awesome South Africa in which she extols the beauties and achievements of this country.

The second day of the conference hosted a range of interesting speak-ers on a variety of topics, beginning with Vuyokazi Dlamini, from Umzimkhulu Municipality, who gave advice on how to hold a Road Show (an event con-ducted in the community for people who cannot access the library). Umzim-khulu Municipality is a well populated area with 175 schools and 62 registered crèches with only one library and two MLUs. Education is the leading govern-ment priority and “we seek to advance that in our roadshows”, he said.

He elaborated on the aims of the road-shows – promoting skills development, literacy and library use and the re-sources needed, human and financial, to organise a road show. He stressed the need to get municipal leaders involved.

Nafeesah Zondi spoke on Libraries and outreach; communicate, innovate and develop. Like many others of her gener-ation, she first encountered a library at University. Libraries need to be marketed to those who are not familiar with them, she said. She recommended identify-ing the community’s needs, attending community and war room meetings, creating a partnership with relevant stakeholders and networking to share experiences. “The work of the library

by Janet Hart, Librarian, Promotions Section

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Conference 2014is outside the office, even outside the library itself” she emphasised. Librarians need to multi-task since the demand is greater than the time or staff available.

Marthie Mare gave an interesting talk based on her book Your face puzzle. (reviewed in the September issue of KZN Librarian). The purpose of physiog-nomy (face-reading) is to create under-standing of oneself and others and thus better communication. A brave librarian allowed herself to be “read” on stage.

A relevant and valuable talk was by media lawyer, Tamsyn de Beer. Together with colleague, Emma Sadler, she has written a book called Don’t film yourself having sex and other legal advice for the age of social media. She explained that social media have the same laws, ethical obligations and professional regulations as anything else and cited cases she has dealt with. It was a call for caution for users of social media, es-pecially young people, as an ill-chosen remark or photograph can haunt one forever.

The dynamic Professor Ashwin Desai, on the other hand, championed freedom of speech. The “tendency to authori-tarianism becomes normality and be-comes the enemy of freedom”, he said. He cited various books including The McDonaldization of Society by George Ritzer, on how multi-national companies are using knowledge to benefit them-selves rather than the individual. Desai encouraged debate and asked why we obliterate some stories and promote others. “Librarians have stories to tell of the changes that have happened in one generation - not the grand stories, but the stories of ordinary people”.

Denis Kruywagen, award-winning jour-nalist, said that history is important, but should always be about contestation and warned “don’t believe the version put in front of you”. He talked about his book on the Viljoen twins, Constand, Head of the South African Defense Force and Abraham, who held oppos-ing political views and stood for the

Progressive Federal Party.

Sonja Kruse, known as the “Ubuntu Girl” shared her inspiring year-long journey with only a backpack, R100 and a camera, through all nine provinces of SA, often on foot, and the 150 families who took her in along the way, illustrat-ing the good will that ordinary people share with each other.

Irene Reid and Leornard Hlongwa from Reading Association of South Africa (RASA)elaborated on their work in promoting literacy, while Liz Castelyn from Wise Eye showed slides of their specialised programme, which works on tracking eye movements on a visa-graph to train the eye to move smoothly from left to right, thus improving reading and comprehension skills with a sub-sequent improvement in the reader’s self-esteem.

Lindokuhle Mhlanga gave his some-times radical ideas on revolutionising libraries from the point of view of the youth.

How to use the Nal’ibali supplements as a stimulus to reading was explained by Righardt le Roux. He quoted David Harrison, CEO of the DG Murray Trust, which is the primary funder of the Nal’ibali campaign: “Even if you can’t read, you can still tell stories to children. Stories spark those parts of their brains concerned with imagination, emotion, sensation and movement, and create the neural circuits that ultimately enable sophisticated thinking and reasoning. Children must have support to explore the world both in imaginative and real-istic terms,” he said. Nal’ibali now has a web page: www.nalibali.org

The final day of the conference is tra-ditionally devoted to business matters. LAMS General Manager, Carol Slater, gave an overview of the state of Library Services and the issue of books as assets and what that means to librar-ians as far as stocktaking is concerned. She spoke on the new libraries being built such as Nkunganathi, the first study library, the flagship Imbali Library which

will commence in January and the modular library to be built in Camper-down.

Winnie Mangotlo explained the South African Public Library and Informa-tion Services Bill and its implications, followed by Joey van Zyl on the Library and Information Services Transforma-tion Charter. Both are from the National Department of Arts and Culture.

Pupils from Sthengile High School gave an impromptu poetry reading followed by a presentation by Lindiwe Chirwa, Project Co-coordinator for Mini Libraries for the Blind, on the origin of the project which is now funded by DAC. A visually challenged member of Margate library, Nombifuthi Mbili, who works as a social worker, expressed her gratitude to the Department for enabling her to have access to library material. She also gave advice on dealing with the visu-ally challenged in the library.

Sithobile Jili talked on the now well-known Africa Ignite project, its success-es and challenges. Mandla Buthelezi spoke on the Mzansi Libraries On-line project (formerly the Bill and Melinda Gates Project) which aims to provide computers to strengthen and enhance public libraries in South Africa.

Kgaladi Kekana talked about the part-nership between Library Services and Unisa for the benefit of tertiary students. Hlengi Ngcongo explained the DAC Reading and Writing Clubs, of which there are already 60 in KZN, whose ob-jective is to create a platform for local writers. Librarians were encouraged to join their professional organisation, LIASA.

The conference ended on a high note with motivational speaker, Siphiwe Moyo, author of Get over it who made his audience laugh as he gave his principles for success. “Talk is cheap. Eventually people get tired of all your promises. Just deliver … Lives are not changed by intentions”, a worthy motto for delegates to take back to their institiutions with them.

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Conference 2014

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Conference 2014

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What sort of writing do you enjoy most?

Novel writing.

Do you begin with plot, characters or simply an idea when writing a novel?

I begin with an idea and the rest will follow.

How did you get into writing?

My love started during my days at Teachers Training Col-lege when Mr L.T. L. Mabuya and Mr D.B.K. Mhlongo would conduct inspiring literature appreciation lessons. When I later became a marathon runner I put my writing passion in abey-ance and only returned to it when I suffered serious injuries that stopped me from running.

Who are your favourite authors?

Mr Morris Vusumuzi Bhengu and M.J. Mngadi.

Are you influenced by other writers?

Yes. Writers like Dr Nakanjani Sibiya and Maphili Shange are an inspiration to me. The way they portray the setting in their stories is out of this world.

Which writer has the most influence on your writ-ings?

Mr Morris Vusumuzi Bhengu.

How long does it take you to complete a book?

One month. This may sound abnormal, but the truth is, when I have a story in mind and I start writing, I write daily and never stop until I finish the book.

How much do you revise a book before it is ready for publishing?

I revise it twice.

Do you write in English or isiZulu/isiXhosa? Why?

I write in isiZulu as an attempt to add value to my mother tongue which was previously marginalized.

What advice would you give to aspirant writers?

They must read, read and read, as good readers become good writers. It very easy to tell the work of the writer that reads from that of the writer that doesn’t.

Do you get to meet your readers? Do you get feedback from them?

Yes, I do meet my readers and I get positive feedback per-sonally and through social media.

What is your background?

I was born and bred in Sobantu Village in Pietermaritzburg but I have a strong link with rural areas because of my parents. I visit places like Mahlabathini and KwaGqwathaza on a regular basis. I grew up playing soccer and later became a

Mr Mzi MngadiWinner of:

2008 DAC Children’s Book Com-petition for Usimo Uthanda Ifashini

2013 DAC Short Stories Compe-tition for Isambulo

Conversation with a local author

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marathon runner. I presently have two Comrades Marathon silver medals (best time 6 hours 25 minutes in 1980).

Are your characters based on real people?

No. I never do that.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan for the future is to produce at least one novel in English. Not that I want to leave my language or abandon my readers but I am hungry for an international audience.

How do you think we can encourage South Afri-cans to read more?

Media, both radio and television, should play a crucial role here. The production companies should, at least once a year, adapt a book written in an African language into a radio or television series. This will make people realize that there are inspiring books which are worth reading out there. My view is that many people are still trapped in a mentality that African literature is about petty stories and are not aware that African books now have that Hollywood taste.

The Department of Arts and Culture should also organize story telling competitions during which competitors will compete with stories that they would have read from published books.

Did you have difficulty finding a publisher?

No. In fact is more difficult to get a publisher for an English fic-tion than a fiction written in an African Language.

Is there a market for locally written books?

Yes, there is an obvious market which is the Department of Education.

promotions section

The Man Booker prize shortlist was announced.with the six shortlisted titles as follows:

Joshua Ferris (US) To Rise Again at a Decent Hour (Viking)

Richard Flanagan (Australian)

The Narrow Road to the Deep North (Chatto & Windus)

Karen Joy Fowler (US) We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves (Serpent's Tail)

Howard Jacobson (British) J (Jonathan Cape)

Neel Mukherjee (British) The Lives of Others (Chatto & Windus)

Ali Smith (British) How to be Both (Hamish Hamilton)

See more at: http://www.themanbooker-prize.com/news/man-booker-prize-fic-tion-2014-shortlist-revealed#sthash.d1cmwP6M.dpuf

The 2014 judges will now re-read the shortlisted titles in order to select the winner which will be anounced on 14 October 2014 at a ceremony at Lon-don’s Guildhall.

Man Booker prize announced

Promotions Section has designed a table top display which will be sent to affiliated libraries soon.The display sections are in two parts. The top section (left) is designed to fit above a table and the bottom section (right) below, so that relevant books can be displayed in between. The bookmark is to celebrate 20 years of democracy.

OU

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Nkosi sikelel' iAfrikaMaluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,Yizwa imithandazo yethu,Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel,Uit die diepte van ons see,Oor ons ewige gebergtes,Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

Sounds the call to come together,And united we shall stand,Let us live and strive for freedom,In South Africa our land.

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The value of computer games

Von Ahn (2006) defined computer games as a seductive method for encouraging people to

participate in the process. Such games constitute a general mechanism for using brain power to solve open prob-lems. Whereas Prensky (2006) mentions that computer and video games are most often thought of as pure entertain-ment, it is important to understand that they are enormously powerful learning tools as well.

There are pros and cons to playing computer games. For the purpose of this article I will look at the positive side of games.

The main reason people play com-puter games is because the process of game playing is engaging. These games bring together a combination of motivating elements not found together in any other medium:

They are a form of fun, that gives enjoyment and pleasure

They are a form of play, that gives intense and passionate involvement

They have goals that motivate

They are interactive which allows for socialisation

They have outcomes and feed-back, which allows learning

They allow victory that gives ego gratification

They have conflict/competition/challenge/opposition, that gives rise to adrenaline

They require problem solving, that sparks creativity

They have characters and story-lines which arouse emotion.

Combining games and learning can potentially add to the motivation of stu-dents who might otherwise not want to learn and increase their engagement in the learning process.

Why use computer games

for learning ?

Play is the brain’s favourite way of learn-ing. ‘’Anyone who makes a distinction between education and entertainment doesn’t know the first thing about either one” (Marshall McLuhan).

There are two key reasons we might use computer and video games for learn-ing ‘’real world content and subject matter”:

I) Learners have changed radi-cally. They are now growing up with digital technology of which computer and video games are a major part.

2) These learners need to be motivated in new ways, as learning requires effort and motivation is needed for this. Computer games keep stu-dents motivated. A typical student has played thousands of hours of video games before graduating from college. The engagement power of electronic games for this generation (and those to come) may be, if used correctly, the biggest learning motivator we have ever seen.

Central Reference Section has a selection of video games in stock in the following categories: PC games, PS3, WII and Xbox 360. To request games contact us at 033 3413045 or 033 3413050

by Tusiwe Hadebe, Assistant Manager, Central Reference Section

“Every age has its storytelling form, and video gaming is a huge part of our culture. You can ignore or embrace video games and imbue them with the best artistic quality. People are enthralled with video games in the same way as other people love the cinema or theatre.” Andy Serkis

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/video_games.html#YIG7uSOgW8pJzh16.99

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KZNPLS cataloguing section hosted another basic SLIMS catalogu-ing training session for public librarians on 10 and 11 November. The librarians who attended were very pleased with the knowledge they ac-quired from the session as it will enable them to use their skills to cata-logue items in their own libraries.

computer section

A group of affiliated librarians who attended a training course on SLIMS at Head Office Computer Section.

New Staff in Mandeni Municipality Libraries

Ms Zinhle Cynthia Sishi was appointed as an Intern in Sundumbili Library in April. Zinhle is from Mandeni (Macam-bini) and matriculated at Skhuthele High School In 2003. In 2011 she obtained a Degree in Industrial Sociology Labour Relations from the University of Zululand. She also has a post-graduate Diploma in Library and Information Science from the same university.

Mrs Phumzile Mhlanzi was appointed as a librarian at Sundumbili Library in August. Phumzile is from Pinetown and matriculated in 1987 at Mlokothwa High School, KwaNongoma. She graduated with a B.Bibl from the University of Zulu-land in 1996. She worked for 17 years in eThekwini Municipality as a librarian and served on various committees, as well as participating in outreach activities.

Thobelani Zungu from Ndulinde Area was appointed as a library intern at Ndulinde Library. He matriculated at Nkwenkwezi High School in 2007. From 2010 to 2012 he studied at Umfolozi College for an Office Administration National Certificate.

“Im very passionate about my work”, he said.

Farewell to Nozuko

Librarian Nozuko Langa left the Catalogu-ing Section at the end of December for an academic post at UNISA. Sharon Rose pre-sents her with a gift from Library Services at her farewell tea.

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new books new book new books new books new books

Dancing to the beat of the drum – in search of my spiritual home Pamela Nombete

ISBN: 978 0795 706875

Pamela Nomvete is known to most South

Africans as the actress who played Gen-

erations character Ntsiki Lukhele. However,

Pamela is more than a soapie actress, she

is also an award winning stage actress

and taken part in a number of perfor-

mances on the British stage.

In Dancing to the beat of the drum,

Pamela opens up to the reader her search

for a spiritual home. We experience her

struggles as she learns to not only under-

stand herslf but accept who she is and her

purpose in life.

If you know of Pamela you will propably

remember that she received a lot of criti-

cism for being an expat who could speak

no indigineous languages. However, once

you read her story, you understand that

she was born and raised as a true global

citizen, while her father worked for the

United Nations in Somalia. Former Presi-

dent, Thabo Mbeki, was even her babysit-

ter at one point.

Fans of Generations will be shocked at

some of the revelations of what went on

behind the scenes during those first years

when the actors and actresses became

household names, but fans will also be

shocked to read that at one point Pamela

actually lived in her car as she had no

money or a home after she quit Genera-

tions.

Despite Pamela Nomvete being a celeb-

rity, many women will be able to relate to

her, especially when her partner decides

Nothing Left to steal by Mzilikazi Wa Africa

ISBN: 978014 3538929

Mzilikazi wa Africa is a multi-award win-

ning investigative journalist; he is also a

musician songwriter and producer and

released a deep-house album, The Icon,

in 2008.

In his autobiography Mzilikazi shares tales

from his rough childhood and the role he

played during Apartheid. When his career

kick-started, he was a senior crime report-

er for AENS in 1997. He was offered two

writing opportunities and had to choose

between writing for the Sunday Times or

the Sunday World. He is a fearless reporter

who has faced numerous death threats. In

this memoir he reveals details behind the

exposure of the R1.7 billion lease scandal

between police commissioner Bheki Cele

and property tycoon Roux Shabangu

which lead to his own arrest.

The memoir also discloses information

of government authorized bribery. Wa

Africa’s last words in this book are “the

thieves will continue to rob us blind, loot

and pillage everything until there is Noth-

ing left to steal”.

NT

Cruel BeautyBy Rosamund Hodge

Read by Elizabeth Knowledon

ISBN 9781402991437

that he is polygamous and expects her

to provide financial support not only to

his extended family, but also to his other

wives.

SJ

Reviewed by Samantha Joel, Nosisa Tokota and Cornia de Villiers

audio books

If you have an appreciation for fairy tales

and myths, you will love this interpreta-

tion of Beauty and the Beast combined

with Greek mythology. The author portrays

the feelings of the characters amaz-

ingly, especially the conflicting emotional

upheaval experienced by Nyx, who is

sacrificed by her family to marry the

Charming Lord. Since birth she knows that

on the day of her seventeenth birthday as

the eldest twin daughter she will be sent to

live in a castle and that she has to kill the

nine-hundred-year-old prince in order to

save her people.

The mythological path she travels to find

the puzzle pieces is excellently portrayed

by the author. The slow building of tension

to the climax will have you sitting on the

edge of your seat.

CdV

Sandstorm

By James Rollins

Read by John Meagher

ISBN 9780062336477

James Rollins is an amazing author when it

comes to combining conspiracy theories

with antiquities and age-old mysteries.

Sandstorm takes place in the Arabian

Desert around the lost city of Ubar. Roll-

ings has done extensive research on the

mysteries surrounding the lost city and the

myths and folk tales told about it by the

Arabian Desert tribes. One is able to trace

most of the places mentioned in his books

on the world map. Although his characters

are fictional the placement of the story is

not (although some is lost in history and

has become part of the mysteries of the

world).

Sandstorm is action packed, with twists

and turns that will kept the reader guess-

ing. An exciting book to listen to and

especially well read by John Meagher.

CdV

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Mandla Ntombela, Director of Msunduzi Municipal Library Services, has been elected President of LIASA. Prior to the 2014 LIASA Election, he was LIASA Na-tional PRO from 2012 – 2014 having held various positions in LIASA. Mandla also serves on the Legal Deposit Committee, Midlands Community Builder Chair and is Director of the Christian Benevolence Centre. He has a Masters Degree in Li-brary and Information Studies from UKZN as well as a B. Theology.

Mandla’s chief professional interest is in staff and community development through programmes that enhance social cohesion. His spare time interests include reading, playing pool, watching TV and walking and his favourite quote is “In whatever you do, do it as if there will be no other chance to do it”.

Mandla can be contacted at: mandla.ntombela@msunduzi.gov.za or mandla.ntombela@gmail.com

KZN Librarian elected President of LIASA

Twitter: Mandla NtombelaFacebook: Mandla Maxwell MahloboLinkedIn: Mandla NtombelaContact no. 033 392 2683/2624

Mandla Ntombela, President Elect of LIASA.

New librarian for Acquisitons Section

Nosisa Tokota joined the staff of Acquisi-tions Section as a librarian in Septem-ber. Nosisa studied at the University of Zululand where she graduated with a BA Information Science before complet-ing a postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science in 2010. She

has worked as a library assitant at both the University of Zululand and Durban University of Technology Pietermartizburg campus.

Nosisa says she is enjoying her job at Li-brary Services very much, visiting librar-ies and doing collection assessments as well as ordering of books, as it is very different to the work she did previously. “I’m learning a lot,” she says. In her spare time, apart from spending time with her two children Novelo (11) and Litha (18 months) and her fiancé, she enjoys tennis and reading. Welcome to Library Services, Nosisa.

Left: The new librarian in Acquisitions Section, Nosisa Tokota.

“Without librarians, I certainly would not be who I am. That means

a lot of other people would not be who they are,”

Author, Maya Angelou

MBLS Publishing (publishers of the Thembi and Themba series0 now have a Website. Go to

http://www.mbls.co.za/

to view.

They also have a Facebook page: Facebook/mbls publish-ing.

The wedding of Lunga Dubazane, Library Assistant from Midlands Depot, and Futhi Ngubane took place on 4 October 2014 at the Breeze Inn Farmyard express, a few kilometres outside Pietermaritz-burg. The groom wore a dash-ing suit that complemented his brides’ magnificent dress. The bridal party showed off their dance moves as they entered the venue for the reception. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Dubazane.

Midlands Weddingby Thobeka Tshabalala, Librarian, Midlands Depot

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library news

St Nichols Primary School Grade 4 learners joined the library staff to make a stand and take part in the peace walk. Members of the community came out to witness the procession with little voices chanting “no violence, no abuse, join the library, read books”. It was an amazing sight. Viva Library Viva.

No Violence Against Women and Children

Georgetown Library staff with the display they put up to support activism against women and child abuse. (Left to right): S Hlela, B Hleza, NP Hlope, T Mahlase, S Richard. Front: M Zondi.

by Sunitha Richard, Librarian, Georgetown Library

One city one book: a reading promotion activities day

by Yvonne Goba, Senior Librarian, eThekwini Libraries

A “One City One Book” quiz and reading promotion activity day

took place at Kwacutshwayo Primary School on 12 November 2014. The event was organised by Thornwood, Mpola and Tshelimnyama libraries for this particular school as its learners use these libraries. The objective was to build a strong working relationship with

the school, to encourage the children to join the library and to promote the Ethekwini municipality “One City One Book” project, which aims to encour-age a culture of reading and writing.

Learners participated in a quiz contest about poliltical journalist, the late Nat Nakasa, as well as drama, poetry, sto-

rytelling activities. The Library Services mobile library was present and promo-tional material and library membership forms were distributed to the learners.

Above left and above: Learners from Kwacutshwayo Primary School enjoy the “one city, one book” reading promotion day.

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Georgetown Library strives to pro-mote reading and the Christmas

programme started with interactive story telling by Thulile Mahlase. The children read paragraphs from books and gave a brief summary of their interpretation of the story. The activities included dancing, singing and a trea-sure hunt. The children were rewarded with puzzles, hand held games, board games and wallets. Librarians followed through with face painting and snacks for the children, who were also made

aware of safety precautions to take dur-ing the festive season.

Poetry Contest

The library embraced the youth in the community with poetry sessions held by Njabulo Cele every Wednesday. Local youth between the ages of 14 and 23 participated. Their zest for life was shown in the powerful messages conveyed in their poetry. Every member proved to be a winner. Certificates and

medals were awarded.

Librarian Sunitha Richard promotes the library to all youth and welcomes indi-viduals to the library to work together in promoting reading and literacy. Poetry and Chess clubs have been formed to help erradicate crime, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and encourage the youth to keep busy.

Georgetown promotes reading and poetry to the youth.

Right: Georgetown library staff put up a Christmas dis-play. Top S Richard (left) and NP Hlope. Bottom: B Hleza and M Zondi.

Loskop vs Ntabamhlophe Library Spelling Bee and Chess Competition by Amanda Shandu, Librarian, Imbabazane Library

We are living in a world today where technology has taken over

our world and that of our children. There are with new advances every day. Some, such as social media, are very helpful but they bring a lot of negativity too, as it affects the spoken and written language of primary school learners. Loskop and Ntabamhlophe libraries decided to play a role in helping our future leaders improve their spelling by hosting a Spelling Bee. The competi-tion aimed at broadening the learning horizons of students beyond classroom boundaries, as well as encouraging the children to improve their spelling.

Libraries from Imbabazane municipal-ity competed against each other, with students from local primary schools. The libraries also held a chess competition with Abantungwa, Umtshezi, Bonokuhle High Schools and Enkomokazini Techni-cal School. All participants received medals.

Spelling Competition Prizes

1st prize: Nomkhosi Mlangeni, Inkosi Mj-wayeli School. 2nd prize: Amahle Linda, Estcourt Primary School. 3rd prize: Mncebisi Khoza, Inkosi Mjwayeli school.

Chess Competition Prizes

1st prize: Samkelo Mpanza, Aban-tungwa High School. 2nd Prize: Thando Ndlovu, Inkomokazini Technical School. 3rd Prize: Njabulo Shezi, Abantungwa High school.

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Ward 99 War Room members from different Provincial Departments

decided to hold an integrated HIV/AIDS awareness event at Amahlongwa area on 5 December. Planning by all members of Sukuma Sakhe towards the success of this event started in Septem-ber. Due to funds not being available for hiring a tent, chairs and tables, the venue was held in the KwaMabika Church. Departments and stake holders who took part in this event were Libraries and Heritage, Clinical Health, Environ-ment Health, MRC, Siyanqoba, SASSA, Social Development, Sizakala Centre, ICASA, Parks, Public Protector, Love Life, Zazi Drum Aide, COGTA, NAPWA, the Ward 99 Councillor and the Induna of the area.

The aim for this event was to bring all services to the marginalised community and to work hand-in-hand with the vari-ous stakeholders in promoting services of different departments to the com-munity.

Each department needed to plan ac-cording to what they wanted to show-case on the day of the event.

Umkomaas and Craigieburn libraries, as they are members of Ward 99 Sukuma Sakhe, took part in this event to show-case the library services. They decided to invite the provincial Mobile Library and requested promotional library ma-terial. They also put up a World Aids Day display as well as a banner advertising the One City One Book campaign.

The event went according to plan and-successfully brought together different stakeholders. Each stakeholder had the chance to showcase its services to the community of Amahlongwa. The community now knows which depart-ment can assist them according to their needs. Our thanks to the Department of Arts and Culture for alllowing the mobile library to be part of the event to promote library services.

Amahlongwa World Aids Dayby Nombuso Dube, Librarian, Umkomaas Library

Children with goody bags from the mobile library

Members of the community attend-ing the function

Children enjoying themselves in the mobile library

A display put up to highlight library services.

HIV/AIDS awareness play put on by Zazi Drum Aid.

Clockwise from top left:

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The month of October was very busy in Osizweni Library. Learners were studying for their exams but we still had the little ones come in to enjoy some fun at the library and to play games.

On 22 October we were visited by Cebelihle Primary School, There were 42 learners and it was such a lovely day.They enjoyed all kinds of games including chess and picture puzzles and a popular Wii and other com-puter games. I did not know that the older children like to play with blocks but they seem to enjoy it a lot, espe-cially the boys.

On 23 October 28 little ones from Sibusisiwe crèche visited the library where they enjoyed colouring in and playing games. On 30 October we were visited by Khayalabantwana crèche who also enjoyed the ac-tivities we had prepared for them. 32 children from Little Star crèche enjoyed colouring in, games and singing on the last day of the month.

October Fun in Osizweni

Preschoolers show off the pictures they have made.

Cebelihle learners gaming.

Children colour in pictures.

The body part game.

Little ones enjoy a game in the library. Older learners enjoy a game of chess.

Sangeetha Maharaj grew up in Um-komaas where she attended pri-mary school and later matriculated at Umkomaas Secondary School. She furthered her education at ML Sultan Technical College where she studied commerce.

Her marriage brought her to Port Shep-stone where she taught at Port Shep-stone Primary School from 1976 -1984. She then joined the Jai Hind School and worked there for another six years.

Sangeetha started her career with the Hibiscus Coast Municipality on 1 Sep-tember 1990. She worked as a library assistant at Albersville library until she died suddenly on 2 October 2014. We

want to express our most sincere sym-pathies to the family from all Sangee-tha’s colleagues at the Hibiscus Coast Municipality.

Sangeetha was a very committed and dedicated employee. She was always willing to assist the public in the library and was well loved by the members of Albersville library. She will be greatly missed and everyone here is saddened by her sudden death.

Obituary Sangeetha Maharaj

by Susan Roos, Senior Librarian, North Hibiscus Coast Municipality

“Elite” Readers at Shallcross Library

The best way to develop a love for reading in children is to read to them from the earliest stages of infancy. It is common knowledge that children who have been exposed to reading at a very early age will learn to read sooner than children who have had little or no exposure to reading.

There is no substitute for reading, says Mrs N. Naidu who is involved in Early Childhood development and social upliftment programmes.

Librarian Vinod Maharaj (back left) with a presentation for the Elite Nursery School pupils “Reading is fun” Is our motto.

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International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on 8 September with the aim of promoting and encouraging literacy to all citizens. Ndulinde Library celebrated the Day with an event which was at-tended by various Government Depart-ments who presented the services they offer in support of Literacy Day. These included the Office of the Premier, the Department of Education, Owen Sithole Agricultural College and ILembe District Municipality. The event was well attend-ed by community members and local schools, who performed various activities that are in line with this celebration.

The speakers encouraged the audience to improve and further their educational levels, as many job opportunities require minimum education. The agricultural study opportunities and basic training given by Owen Sithole Agricultural Col-lege were explained and basic agricul-tural training is also extended to com-munity based organisations.

as well as their home language. Ms Mhlophe also encouraged community members to make use of their Libraries. She shared her dream of seeing the Province of KwaZulu-Natal playing a leading role in reading. His Worship the Mayor, S.B Zulu, also thanked and con-gratulated those who have completed the computer literacy programme facilitated by the libraries. The Mayor encouraged those who had completed the programme to become active library members and readers. In con-clusion, the Mayor awarded computer literacy certificates to 128 successful learners.

Ndulinde Library celebrates Literacy Day

As part of celebrating Literacy Week 2014, on 10 Sep-tember an outreach programme was led by Her Wor-

ship, Deputy Mayor Cllr Sishi, at Madlanga High School in Ward 2, Mhlubulweni Reserve. The school is in the process of developing its library, but there is a shortage of books. Books were donated by Rachel Msweli originally from Mhlubulweni Reserve under the Penrose Luvuyo Foundation. The Deputy Mayor facilitated the books donation to the school to enable it to have sufficient books in its library. She encouraged learn-ers of the school to make use of these books in order to im-prove their quality of education. The Principal of the school, Mrs Ndwalane, thanked Mandeni Municipality for showing an interest in the school. Umfolozi College and Love Life were part of the outreach to market and educate the learners about the services they offer.

Visit to Madlanga High School

by Mpume Manzini, Librarian, Ndulinde Library

by Mpume Manzini, Librarian, Ndulinde Library

Top: Computer literacy cer-tificates were awarded to learners.

Above: Story-teller Gcina Mhlophe entertained the community.

The event was honoured by the pres-ence of Ms Gcina Mhlophe, author and storyteller, who motivated the community and schools to read and to form reading groups to read in English

On Heritage Day, here at Nkandla Library, we decided to celebrate this great day by inviting potential users to assist us to put on a stage play, commemorating our late Zulu hero, King Shaka. During the month as South Africans, we celebrated with our patrons by remembering the different cultures that unite us as a community.

Nkandla library staff celebrate Heritage Dayby Ayanda Shandu, Community Librarian, Nkandla Library

Left: two young partici-pants in the Herit-age Day Celebra-tion at Nkandla Library.