Library Launch Brings Sunshine to a Rainy Day at Isiziba Primary School
Building Bright Futures: Creating Libraries That Inspire and Empower
Bright spring sunlight shines through green leaves as new books reach the Isiziba Primary School. Children’s excited faces glow, holding fresh stories and knowledge. This is our purpose: bringing joy and discovery, building a future where every child can dream through reading.
Spring’s first week might have started with warm sunshine, but on the morning of Friday 4 September, the skies opened and the cold rolled in. The weather, however, was no match for the excitement brewing at Isiziba Primary School, where a brand-new Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Library was about to open its doors.
The library — made possible through a partnership between Saray Khumalo’s Everest Campaign, Momentum, and the Participate for Good PBO (Mandela Bangle Programme) — had been weeks in the making. Momentum’s team rolled up their sleeves on 28 August to paint the space, install a colourful reading corner furnished with chairs, tables, and locally made beanbags from recycled materials, and deliver 200 pencil cases (also made from recycled banners) to be awarded for academic achievement.
The opening ceremony, guided with charm and energy by Ms Ngoma and Mr Mabaso, was a celebration of community spirit. From Pastor Mathabatha’s heartfelt opening prayer to speeches by Saray Khumalo, Momentum Multiplier CEO Zureida Ebrahim, and Mandela Bangle Programme CEO Robert Coutts, the morning brimmed with inspiration. The Soul Buddyz club treated guests to vibrant performances, while Global Mandela Charity Champion Hlubi Mboya connected with the children in her signature warm and dynamic style.
Inside, the new library shelves were stocked thanks to generous donors:
900 books from The Rotary Humanitarian Centre in Bedfordview
250 magazines from Joe’s Magz, Johannesburg
200 new readers in English, Zulu, and Sesotho from Qualibooks Naledi
200 superhero comics featuring Urban Legend, a teacher-turned-hero who protects children
10 soccer balls for the school’s sports programme
Special guests included Zaziwe Manaway and Swati Dlamini (Madiba’s granddaughters), Soul City’s Nelisiwe Hlope, and a beaming Mrs Nkosi, the school’s principal, who proudly led the ribbon-cutting.
By the end of the day, 1,264 children had gained access to a place where they could dream, learn, and imagine a brighter future — keeping Madiba’s vision of education alive in the heart of Tembisa.