Towards tackling inequalities in South Africa

Abstract

Tackling inequalities in society remains a serious challenge for post-apartheid South Africa. This battle calls for a multifaceted approach that involves various stakeholders including community libraries. Community libraries are internationally recognised as social institutions that can effect social and economic transformation in society. In South Africa, this is clearly manifested by the provision of a conditional government grant for the development of community libraries in the country. The Department of Arts and Culture started this project in 2007. Despite this recognition for community libraries, their role in tackling inequalities in society is not always clear. Findings from the literature and reports from the Department of Arts and Culture suggest that community libraries are playing an important role in curbing inequalities. This article also attempts to report on the progress of the Department of Arts and Culture’s conditional grant community library project. Though there has been some progress in the project but challenges still exist and more effort and support are required. It is vital that community library services be developed and sustained as these libraries can have a positive influence on the development of society.

Challenges faced by libraries in a democratic South Africa

“…The critical role of community libraries in enhancing the concept of lifelong learning for the poor people cannot be over-emphasised. Mnkeni-Saurombe and Zimu (2013: 42) state that community libraries “promote reading and literature to all ages and the whole of society, enabling learning and literacy from the cradle to grave.” Community libraries are therefore enabling scaffolds for the youth to pursue independent studies and lifelong learning. McMenemy (2009: 95) states that public libraries are key facilitators in lifelong learning because: they are open to all citizens they provide access to a range of learning materials free they are easily accessible with relatively convenient opening hours they increasingly offer instructional courses using ICTs and partnerships. …”

“…With the introduction of the library conditional grant by the national Department of Arts and Culture in 2007, the picture and future of the community libraries look brighter (National Library of South Africa 2015). All provinces get funds from the national Department of Arts and Culture “to transform urban and rural community infrastructure, facilities and services with the primary intention of helping the most disadvantaged areas” (Mnkeni-Saurombe and Zimu, 2013: 40). More than ZAR 1 billion has been injected into the coffers of the department to distribute to the provincial departments to roll-out community libraries, particularly in the under-resourced communities.…”

“…In South Africa, the Department of Arts and Culture is a national department of the government “tasked with creating an environment conducive to growth, development and flowering of South Africa’s art, culture and heritage landscape”. (Mnkeni-Saurombe and Zimu, 2013: 40). As cultural hubs, community libraries fall under this department.…”

“…Libraries that are responsive to the information needs of the multiple users are therefore needed in all communities. Mnkeni-Saurombe and Zimu (2013: 41) aver that public and community libraries have “a common purpose” – provision of effective information services to all people. The terms ‘public libraries’ and ‘community libraries’ will be used interchangeably throughout this article.…”

Public libraries as facilitators of information services

“…By virtue of their existence as public entities, it is crucial that public libraries are resourced in accordance with the information needs of their diverse existing and potential users in the communities they serve. Because libraries play an important role in fighting inequalities in communities and encouraging literacy among their users through facilitating access and use of information by all means, it is vital that communities are included in future planning (Anasi, 2010; Mnkeni-Saurombe and Zimu, 2015).…”