Pictured- Head of Academic Libraries : Sol Plaatje University - Mrs Moshotloa
Kimberley
The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in partnership with its long-standing stakeholder, Sol Plaatje University, commemorated Librarians Day on 10 July 2025 under the theme: “Twelve Languages, One Nation, One Wikipedia.” The celebration took place at the Sol Plaatje University Auditorium in Kimberley and honoured the invaluable contributions of librarians across the province.
The 10th of July has been officially declared a day to celebrate the profession of librarianship and the individuals who serve tirelessly to promote literacy, education, and equitable access to information. This annual observance is a tribute to the role librarians play in the development of an informed society and the strengthening of democratic values in South Africa.
The day also marks a significant milestone in the profession, celebrating the registration of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) as a Professional Body in February 2015. This recognition elevated the status of librarianship, acknowledging its fundamental importance to nation building and democratic sustainability.
The event was supported by various sector stakeholders including the Sol Plaatje Municipality and the Africana Library, who delivered messages of support, highlighting the relevance and necessity of librarians in shaping informed communities.
“Librarianship is more than a profession – it is a public service and a democratic imperative,” said a representative from the Department. “Librarians are custodians of knowledge and advocates for access to information, upholding a core right enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa.”
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to the continued support and recognition of librarians and the library sector at large. As South Africa continues to build an inclusive, knowledge-driven society, librarians remain at the forefront, ensuring that communities have the tools and resources to learn, grow and make informed decisions.
