New R38m library for Dukuduku community
THE residents of Dukuduku outside Mtubatuba will benefit from a fully-equipped library which was opened by KZN MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Amanda Mapena on Saturday.
Dukuduku has two high schools, six primary schools, and more than one Early Childhood Development Centre who will benefit from the library, staffed by a librarian, cyber cadet, and library assistant. “Our Freedom Charter put it quite succinctly that the doors of learning shall be open.
“We build and open these libraries having borne in mind our universal and lifetime commitment to send a black child to school,” Mapena said.
The R38 million library has a guard house, kitchen, group activities room, kids' play area, study area, computer area, ablution facilities, and parking area. “Books are the foundation of many of our institutions. They are what one author called our 'fixed capital,' more vital than any professor, any classroom, or any laboratory.
“When I was growing up I often would hear the wise elderly, saying: 'imfundo ayikhulelwa' or 'ufunda uze ufe' colloquially meaning that 'you are never too old to learn',” Mapena said.
She urged the members to safeguard the building for future generations:
“It belongs to us and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it. No discontentment with service delivery should result in libraries, schools, and clinics being burnt.”
She also appealed to residents to make use of the facility:
“After launching several modular libraries around the province, this is the first time we are officially opening a brick-and-mortar structure.
“We live in a digital world. My department has committed to making sure that libraries are digitally connected so that learners and everybody else has access to the latest information.
“I want this Dukuduku Library to be there for them to discover. I must also emphasise that the library is a free service to all members of the community, and the registration form is available at the library for all,” she stated.