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Worcester Public Library signs MoU with Unisa’s Cape Town branch library

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What started 13 years ago as a mobile bus library for Unisa students in rural areas has expanded into multiple partnerships with Western Cape municipalities and local libraries. The Breede Valley Public Library in Worcester recently entered into a partnership with Unisa to provide students in the area and surrounds with access to a range of resources and services. The partnership launch was held in April at the Worcester Public Library in the Western Cape. Approximately 30 attendees were present to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU).

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Sisanda Ntongana (RSRC Treasurer), Geraldine Cele (Manager: Library Services, Cape Town Branch Library), Nomfundo Khumalo (RSRC Chairperson) and Christine Gerber (Manager: Worcester Public Library)

The launch was opened by Unisa alumnus Dr Julian Kritzinger, Ward 7 Councillor and MMC: LED and Tourism. Kritzinger emphasised the importance of access to information, and how this partnership will help Unisa students and the community of Breede Valley upskill and improve themselves while also encouraging people to help one another. As stated by Kritzinger, Worcester is a care capital; everyone should be encouraged to help.

Motale Nkgoang, Regional Director: Western Cape Region, stated that the MoU represents a shared commitment to promoting literacy, education and community development. "We are grateful to have this partnership that will broaden access and give our students access to learning and access to information," he said.

Advocate Mandisi Planga, Director: Community Services, who represented the Municipal Manager, stated that the partnership promotes inclusivity by offering resources that are acceptable to everyone regardless of their socio-economic status.

Dr Shahieda Jansen, Deputy Director Academic and Technology Support, Western Cape Region, actively engaged the audience in understanding the core emotions of human beings and the way in which they influence the way we function as human beings and learners.

Lebo Mphatsoane, a Unisa student, was invited to address attendees. She reflected on her journey at Unisa and how she can balance work and life while studying at one of South Africa’s most respected universities. She mentioned that Unisa offers flexibility and accessibility while also allowing students from all walks of life to pursue their education at their own pace.

"What I have learnt is self-discipline," she continued. "The independent learning environment challenged me to develop time management and self-motivation skills that are crucial, not only for academics but in life also."

She also talked about the support she got from the university tutors and students, as well as the online resources provided by the university. "Education is not only about being in a physical lecture room, but also about connecting, collaborating and reaching out for help," she concluded.

Regional Student Representative Council (RSRC) Chairperson Nomfundo Khumalo addressed the audience and applauded the partnership, stating that it will assist Unisa students with connectivity and promotes the importance of learning.

The MoU includes the following:

  • Courier services
  • Access to study spaces
  • Access to computers and the internet
  • Reciprocal partnership in annual events and programmes
  • Training and support for technology users
  • Distribution points of Unisa brochures and posters, and announcements of events

Member of the Mayoral Committee, Portfolio Councillor Palesa Moso closed the programme and reiterated the importance of collaboration and support to ensure students’ success.

* Submitted by Thandeka Mtyali, Communication and Marketing Intern, Western Cape Region

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Publish date: 2025-05-06 00:00:00.0

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