After two decades of service at Tembisa West Library, 59-year-old Dondo Dithebe is preparing to close a meaningful chapter of his life. Since joining the library 20 years ago, Dithebe, a senior library assistant, has dedicated himself to nurturing young minds and building a space where learning, growth and community intersect.
As he looks ahead to his retirement next year, he hopes to finally fulfil his long-held dream of travelling the world.
Reflecting on his journey, Dithebe stated that the most meaningful moments of his career lie in the success stories of those who once walked through the library doors as children.
“It’s in the number of graduates that came through, with our supporters later and our library winning an award in 2012. And many who came through our facility, from preschool, became very important people in society,” he explained.
For Dithebe, the library has always been more than just a place for books. It has been a foundation for opportunity, guidance and community development.
Over the years, he has witnessed a significant shift in reading habits, particularly with the rise of digital media. While younger children continue to visit libraries in large numbers for storytelling and recreational activities, older pupils are increasingly turning to technology.
“During the OBE curriculum, every afternoon, most of the children from all the high schools would flock to the library to get research materials. But now, with the identity of high use of computers and the internet, people still come, but they request to use the internet or to connect to our Wi-Fi. There’s little reliance on the reading material that we have.”
Despite these changes, Dithebe does not believe libraries are becoming obsolete; instead, he sees an opportunity for transformation.
“No, we should adapt to change and modify how we serve the community. We should go along with the community by making bigger study halls where people who work from home and content creators can come in and work from here.”
Today, libraries serve as dynamic community hubs, spaces for learning, connection and personal growth. Dithebe highlights their evolving role, especially for students navigating online education.
“A space like a library gives them that campus environment. This space serves as a central hub where people come to relax, receive assistance, and learn skills such as dressmaking. It can be lonely sometimes studying online, so a space like a library helps with giving one a
community.”
Among his most cherished memories are the many young people he has mentored, some of whom have gone on to become authors and professionals.
“I have a lot of our former students who became authors. Many have won writing competitions. And many of them now come to use the library as professionals.”
His advice to future librarians focuses on empathy and accessibility.
“Accessibility as a librarian is important because some individuals visit the library while struggling with their personal identity.” After a chat with them, you see people choosing a good life path. They find peace there. They find direction.”
North of Gauteng, meanwhile, a new generation is already stepping forward, inspired by the impact of libraries. Mbalenhle Mthethwa, a Grade 12 student at the Lethabong Maths, Science, and ICT School of Specialisation in Soshanguve, represents that future.
“What made me pursue a career in libraries is because I am someone who’s artistic and someone who loves to read books,” she said.
“I’m a writer; I write music and songs, and I’m also a history student.”
Despite limited resources, her passion remains unwavering. “As the slogan at our school says, failure is not an option. Nothing can fail us as much as we put more effort into it,” she added.
Although her school library is still new, she hopes to see it grow into a vibrant learning space.
“I would love to see learners coming here each and every day, reading and learning and researching,” she said.
Mthethwa emphasises the importance of libraries, particularly for students who lack resources at home.
“Not having a library is a bad thing because some learners prefer to see things visually. This library is going to have a big impact on their lives; they can always come here and read and expand their knowledge without technology.”
She also believes libraries play a crucial role in promoting equality in education.
“Having a library at school helps to show that the location of your school doesn’t matter; they can still have the same learning experience as other kids,” she shared.
In an age dominated by technology, she added that libraries encourage genuine learning.
“It also helps stimulate the learners’ minds, critical thinkers who are not dependent on artificial intelligence.”
- Dondo Dithebe, 59, is retiring after 20 years at Tembisa West Library.
- He has served as a senior library assistant throughout his career.
- Dithebe has focused on nurturing young minds and promoting learning.
- His work helped create a community-focused environment within the library.
- The full story is available in the Sunday World e-edition.
