OFFICIALS of the Impala Platinum Mine Industry and OR Tambo District Municipality (OTRDM) have launched a library at Mhlontlo Local Municipality in Qumbu, to assist learners and community members who want to access information.
Librarian, Siphe Magwentshu, said that the ORTDM has a partnership with the mining industry, which started around 2007. He said they have a programme of ploughing back to the community, with the aim of supporting its workers, since most of them come from these rural areas.
“We then asked them to support us by developing these libraries and this journey started in 2008. They had renovated libraries in Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Flagstaff,” said Magwentshu.
He added that now they had renovated the library in Qumbu and donated computers and library furniture. He said this facility used to just be a white elephant, so they took it and changed it into a library.
He added that there were other offices at the venue, in addition to the library.
Magwentshu added that this library would bring a positive change to the community of that area.
“It would be easy for our learners to do research now because they have a facility that has all the equipment. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Impala Rustenburg, Mark Munroe, said as a company that provides employment on their mines for members of this community and others in the Eastern Cape, they were committed to upliftment projects.
“We view this initiative – and the partnership with local government and Department of Sport, Recreation Arts and Culture (DSRAC) – as an opportunity to invest into the lives of the Mthatha community and to ensure a brighter future for the people of Qumbu. We are honoured to be able to invest in this joint project, which has the potential to bring about meaningful change,” said Munroe.
He added that at Impala, they believe in the power of working together, and it is through partnerships such as this that they could achieve real impact beyond the borders of their Rustenburg operations.
“Improving literacy and numeracy is crucial to enabling children to develop to their full potential, and contribute to the future of our country as well-rounded, participative young people.”
He said that through this investment, Impala aimed at cultivating a culture of reading in the community.
“Reading enhances vocabulary, builds self-confidence, supports the development of critical thinking and inspires creativity and self-expression. It is also a healthy source of entertainment for people of all ages. In addition, the libraries provide children with a quiet, safe place to study and do homework, and allow jobseekers access to facilities to update their CVs and apply for jobs online.”
