City librarian Ntombela puts Msunduzi on the global map

Msunduzi’s head librarian, Mandla Ntombela, has been elected president of a major African library body, placing him at the helm of 15 library associations across eastern, central and southern Africa. Ntombela, manager of Msunduzi Library Services, was elected independent president of the Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) during elections held in Zambia last week. The role will see him engage with stakeholders across the continent and support library structures in several countries.

Ntombela said he is also looking forward to putting South Africa and the city on the map. “People often do not realise the exceptional libraries that our city is home to,” he said. I really want the word to spread that some of the city’s libraries, such as Bessie Head Library, serve as tourist attractions, as international researchers come to see the history that we have preserved.

Beyond safeguarding history, Ntombela stressed the role libraries play in bridging the digital divide and improving access to knowledge. He said libraries offer free internet, computers, desks and chairs, security, and skilled librarians ready to assist. In today’s environment, people are often looking for a place with internet where they can come and get work done, whether for school, university or a job, and libraries are that place. Ntombela said many people understand that libraries have evolved beyond being places to pick up books, but many remain unaware of the changes.