The R23 million library, strategically placed in the small town, promises to be a beacon of hope and transformation for the residents, particularly students, who often face limitations in their daily lives due to housing and socioeconomic challenges.

Mandela Day, celebrated annually across the globe, has evolved into more than just a day of commemoration; it is a call to action. This year, the theme “End Poverty and Inequality” resonates deeply with the people of the Free State, a province where the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality remain persistent. The Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, reflected on the significance of the day and what it means for the community.

“As we all know, Mandela Day is celebrated internationally, and it’s no longer a day you can just celebrate in South Africa. This year’s theme, really it’s a challenge for us as Free Staters because the theme is reminding us that we should end poverty and inequality that our people have been suffering from,” said Premier Letsoha-Mathae, speaking to OFM News.

She emphasised that her administration is actively addressing these issues through various initiatives, including the development of libraries like Qibeng.

“We are doing our best as the 7th administration to address challenges that, at the end of the day, will help end poverty and inequality,” she added.

Letsoha-Mathae also made it clear that unemployment and other social issues remain top priorities for the current administration. By choosing Wepener as the location for the Qibeng Library, they hope to bring about meaningful change, especially for young people who have limited access to educational resources.

The Qibeng Library is more than just a building; it is a space where young minds can flourish. Letsoha-Mathae spoke about the critical role the library will play in the daily lives of Wepener’s students.

“When you bring a library closer to our people, it’s a relief to our students who are residing in those particular areas. They will be able to go to the library after school and study,” she explained.

This is particularly significant in small towns like Wepener, where many families face housing challenges, often sharing cramped living spaces. For these students, having a quiet, well-equipped space to study after school is invaluable.

“We all know that there are those who are still sharing family households, and it’s difficult for them to study. So, we are going to change the lives of some people in Wepener on Mandela Day,” Letsoha-Mathae said, emphasising the transformative power of education and access to resources.

In keeping with the spirit of the day, the provincial government took the opportunity to recognise and honour elderly residents from Wepener, Van Stadensrus, and Dewetsdorp.

As part of the Mandela Day celebrations, the government distributed gifts to the elderly, a small gesture to show appreciation for their contributions to society. One of the most heartwarming moments of the day came when 92-year-old Motlalepule Koos Senatsi, accompanied by his wife Puseletso, who was announced as the recipient of a brand new house.

Senatsi, along with four other families, attended the Nelson Mandela International Day celebrations in Morojaneng, Dewetsdorp, where the announcement was made. Although visibly in disbelief, Senatsi was understandably overjoyed by the unexpected gift.

The provincial government delegation also visited Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Dewetsdorp under the Mangaung Metro Municipality. They distributed blankets and other essential items to ensure that the youngest members of the community were also remembered on Mandela Day.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg