Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, MP, will launch the Mzansi Libraries Online Pilot Project to Zamdela Public Library on Thursday, 7 May 2015 at Zamdela, Sasolburg and Host Craft Imbizo on Friday, 8 May 2015, at the Musicon Hall, in Bloemfontein.
In October 2013 the Department of Arts and Culture, through the National Library of South Africa, was awarded a R32 million grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through its Global Libraries Programme. This grant focuses on enhancing and strengthening the public libraries by providing new and alternative technologies which will enable communities to access information on government services and other relevant information to enable them to improve their quality of life. The Mzansi Library Online Pilot Project will deploy IT equipment such as computers, tablets, printers, scanners and games at public libraries, especially in the previously disadvantaged communities.
This pilot project is being rolled out as a precursor to the country-wide roll out. Currently three public libraries from each province participate in the project. A total of 20 computers, 10 tablets, 10 e-readers, 1x printer, 1 scanner and game sets will be handed over to Zamdela Public Library.
Prior to the launch, the Deputy Minister will hoist the National flag at Amogelang Secondary School as part of the Department of Arts and Culture’s Flag in every School campaign. This campaign involves hoisting the National Flag in the school, the singing of the National Anthem, the recital of the Preamble of the Constitution, the distribution of hand held flags and publications on national symbols and the anthem.
On the following day, the Deputy Minister will proceed to Musicon Hall, in Bloemfontein to host the interactive session with The Crafters.
The Craft Sector has long being acknowledged as one of the strategic sectors for socio-economic development and job creation in the country. Despite this, many challenges still beset this sector. These challenges ranges from access to information, access to viable markets, access to reasonably priced raw materials for craft production as well as access to funding and finance.
It is for this reason that the Deputy Minister decided to embark on Craft Imbizo in all nine provinces from April to June 2015 with the aim of providing a platform for crafters to engage on the challenges, share ideas on craft sectors’ development and how craft sector can be better serviced moving forward.
Prior to the Craft Imbizo, the Deputy Minister will hoist the national flag at Oranje Girls High School as part of the Department of Arts and Cultures’ Flag in every school campaign which seeks to promote national identity, instil the spirit of patriotism, love for our country, nation building and social cohesion.
Media are invited to attend as follows:
Flag hoisting
Date: 7 May 2015
Venue: Amogelang Secondary School, Zamdela, Sasolburg
Time: 07h30
Launch Mzansi Library Online Pilot Project
Date: 7 May 2015
Venue: Zamdela Public Library, Sasolburg
Time: 10h00
Flag hoisting
Date: 8 May 2015
Venue: Oranje Girls High School, Bloefontein
Time: 07h30
Craft Imbizo
Date: 8 May 2015
Venue: Musicon Hall, Bloemfontein
Time: 10h00
For RSVPs: Obed Makgoale: Department of Arts and Culture
Cell: 060 974 0789
Email: ObedM@dac.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Peter Mbelengwa – Spokesperson for the Deputy Minister
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: petermb@dac.gov.za
