Soweto – Learners and teachers at Sekwati Primary School in Molapo, Soweto, are celebrating the start of a new chapter with the opening of a new library.
The library was made possible by the South African Rugby Union (Saru) and one of South Africa’s big banks, Absa.
Speaking at the official opening of the library on Friday, Basic Education Deputy Minister Enver Surty called on other private companies to partner with government to improve education in the country.
Deputy Minister Surty said it was important to enhance education opportunities for the learners.
“I’m delighted that every child in South Africa can have an opportunity to attend school and have a book. We do believe that our children can do much better if given an opportunity,” he said.
Acting School Principal Victor Matloga, told SAnews that he was excited about the library.
“The library is going to inculcate the culture of reading to our learners. The library is the wealth to our children that can never diminish,” he said, adding that he will ensure that it does not become a white elephant.
“As teachers, we will also play our role of encouraging the learners to read,” the principal said.
Matloga said before the school could have its library, learners were using community libraries which were far away.
Chairperson of the School Governing Body, Johannah Molefe, said she was grateful for the library.
“Our children will now spend more time at the library reading books. We believe that the library will encourage them to read,” she said.
Among other things, the library also has an automated library system, laptop, printer, internet connectivity, TV and a DVD machine. – SAnews.gov.za
