Oudtshoorn, 21 August 2018 – A new settlement of Rosevalley in Oudtshoorn will receive a new public library. This was confirmed during a sod turning ceremony on Monday, 20 August 2018.
“Libraries are giving energy for imagination to flourish, they open windows into the world and inspire us perform towards improving the lives in our communities,” said the Minister for Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape, Ms. Anroux Marais, who was the keynote speaker. “Libraries can change our lives, and I believe that this library will be a place where people can meet and where social inclusion can thrive,” Minister Marais added.
Quoting a writer called Carl Rowan, Marais said, “The library is the temple of learning and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history.” She also affirmed the importance of libraries in our societies hence the Department of Cultural Affairs and outreach to educate and to connect libraries.
Marais told attendees that comprised councillors, librarians, Municipal and Provincial officials, media and the residents of Rosevalley that there are 307 libraries in the Western Cape. “This one will be an additional one and we believe that more libraries can be rolled out in our communities; and I’m looking forward to attend the official opening of this library soon,” she said.
The Western Cape Provincial Government has funded R 8.5 Million towards the construction of the Rosevalley Public Library. The Minister also handed a cheque to the Municipality during the event. Procurement processes to source a construction company are underway.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn expressed her happiness for coming library. “This is a joyous moment for us as people of Greater Oudtshoorn, because the construction of this library will put food on the tables of some of our households. We are grateful as we cannot overlook the challenge of unemployment in this town.”
“Also, post the construction, the joy continues,” Deputy Mayor Mwati said. Library plays a fundamental role in a society as it is getaway to knowledge and culture. The resources and services they offer create opportunities for learning, support literacy and education. They also shape new ideas and perspective that are central to a creative and innovative society.”
“Most of the kids, especially in this ward are not going to roam around on the streets, when they come from school, they can come here in this building and get more knowledge,” Mwati concluded.
Minister Marais presented a cheque of R2 Million to Deputy Mayor Mwati. Thereafter, duo officially turned the sod as a symbol of the beginning of the construction of the new library.
The director for Community Services in the Oudtshoorn Municipality, Mr. Thomas Matthee emphasized the importance of public participation confirming thorough community participation processes the Municipality and stakeholder followed to ensure smooth establishment of the coming library. Meanwhile, the Ward Councillor for Ward 6, where the library is to be built acknowledged all the role players who made it possible for the library to be built in his ward.