A library for Marikana Primary

After much anticipation, “The Day” had arrived for Marikana Primary School.

Thursday, 20 April was the day for this little school in the heart of a township in turmoil to receive its new library. Marikana, near Rustenburg in North West, is now notorious for the 2012 police killing of 34 miners, on strike for better wages. The killings, and the protracted strike, put international focus on living conditions in the township.

Courtesy of Participate for Good’s sponsors, mining supply group Hytec Group, the non-governmental organisation was able to deliver an extremely well-stocked library, where the pupils of Marikana Primary may well be inspired to fulfil their dreams.

Mandela Library Ambassador Hlubi Mboya-Arnold, speaking at the library’s handover, urged the school’s pupils to ”dream big, respect yourself and love God.”

This school has a 98% pass rate, which, indicates what strong school leadership from the school governing body, and support from the Soul City Institute for Social Justice and the Department of Basic Education, can achieve.

The Mandela Library Project is also sponsored by the Rotary Club of South Africa, Quali-Naledi book publishers and the Hytec Group.

The library also received a range of superhero comics, soccer balls and a pint-size reading corner,

The Participate for Good team would like to thank Mr John Molefe (of the Soul City Institute) for his knowledge and interest in our programmes. Mr Mpho Mogapi (Soul City and Soul Buddyz) deserves special thanks for his support of the Mandela Library Project and the smooth handover of this special place of knowledge.

The children recited, danced and sang their hearts out, while the audience sat mesmerised and proud. The pupils sat quietly for hours, not showing any restlessness, rather displaying discipline and a level of maturity that makes their teaching team proud.