libraryspace: Celebrating Umvuzo Secondary School’s library

Friday, 21 August 2026

Celebrating Umvuzo Secondary School’s library

By Shorba Harkhu

The UKZN Pietermaritzburg Library staff had the privilege of celebrating the official opening of the newly transformed library at Umvuzo Secondary School on the 17 July 2026—just one day before Mandela Day, the date originally planned for the official opening. It was the culmination of a collaborative journey that began in 2025, when one of our colleagues was approached by a teacher from Umvuzo Secondary School, after having witnessed the fruitful partnership between the UKZN PMB Library and Grange Primary School, which led to the successful establishment and launch of the Grange Primary School library (see https://libwebteam.blogspot.com/2024/)

A site visit to the school earlier in the year revealed a library that lacked the essential resources needed to function effectively. While the infrastructure was in place, the shelves were filled with school textbooks and examination papers rather than a diverse collection of library materials. This served as the catalyst for a fruitful collaboration between the UKZN PMB subject librarians, led by Ms Jillian Viljoen, and a teacher from Umvuzo Secondary School, Ms Ayanda Dube. During the course of the year a substantial collection of books, educational magazines, DVDs, and a variety of study guides for matriculants was generously donated by the UKZN community and other stakeholders. PMB campus library also donated tables and a credenza.

We were very impressed with the remarkable transformation of Umvuzo Secondary School’s library. Books were neatly labelled and organized on the shelves. There was an “issue desk” where books were going to be issued manually. The added touches were the quaint African art works placed above the shelves, and bricks covered with colourful paper that served as bookends.

The beautifully transformed library

In her address at the opening, Dr Nonhlanhla Ngcobo, our Library Director, encouraged the scholars present to protect, respect, and, most importantly, make full use of the library as a valuable resource for their learning and development. In his speech, the principal of the school, Mr Sandile Madlala, highlighted the school’s pressing need for computer equipment and Wi-Fi connectivity. He also commended Ms Dube for her dedication and tireless efforts in driving the transformation of the library.

Dr Ngcobo and Mr Madlala

The Witness was present, as was the circuit manager Mrs Dlamini

UKZN PMB library staff

The official opening of the library was marked by a symbolic first book-borrowing ceremony, where a scholar selected a book from the library collection and Ms Dube officially issued it.