Minister of Basic Education Mrs Angie Motshekga will this morning, Monday 18 July 2016 address the official Library Hand-over and Launch of Refurbished Libraries as part of Mandela Day Commemorations at Thlasedi Primary School. The Minister will be accompanied by AVBOB CEO Mr F Rademan.

The importance of the role of libraries and reading in academic achievement cannot be overemphasised and libraries are seen as a key lever in education achievements, providing access to reading materials, space for reading and pursuance of literacy endeavours.  Libraries are essential to the promotion of reading and almost critical to the improvement of literacy.

At its core, Mandela Day is about doing something, however small to contribute to a better society; this can best be achieved through education. In May 2015 Minister Motshekga announced in the Education Budget Speech that one of the key priorities of the department would be a key focus on Reading Promotion and central to this would be the provision of Library and Information Services.

Members of the media are invited to attend the Mandela Day Celebrations as follows:

Date:              Today, Monday, 18 July 2016
Time:             10h00
Venue:           Thlasedi Primary School, Hebron, Ga-Rankuwa

Enquiries:     Elijah Mhlanga: 083 580 8275 | Troy Martens: 079 899 3070