The opening marks a significant investment by the provincial government in expanding access to information, promoting lifelong learning, and supporting community development in one of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality’s fastest-growing settlements.

A hub for 8 000 residents

Situated in the Newtown area of Mhluzi Township, the state-of-the-art library was designed to serve more than 8 000 community members. The facility offers free access to books, digital resources, study areas, and recreational materials aimed at learners, students, job seekers and families.

“Libraries remain at the heart of community empowerment. This facility will ensure that children, youth and adults in Newtown have access to the tools they need to improve their education and livelihoods,” MEC Mabuza said during the opening.

She added that the library forms part of government’s broader commitment to decentralize services and bring development closer to communities.

Leaders welcome the development

Mabuza was joined by Executive Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela, Council Speaker, Joseph Ngubeni, Inkosi TB Mthethwa from the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, ward councillors and hundreds of local residents.Mayor Masilela described the library as “a beacon of hope” for young people in the area.

“This library will help our children to dream bigger. Access to books and information will open doors that were previously closed,” Masilela said.

Inkosi Mthethwa also applauded the department, saying traditional leadership supports initiatives that uplift rural and township communities through education.

More than just books

Beyond lending books, the Newtown Library is expected to host literacy programs, homework support, digital skills training and community meetings. Officials said the facility was built to accommodate future technology upgrades to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas.

Community members welcomed the opening, with many learners saying they previously had to travel long distances to access a library.The department urged residents to take ownership of the facility and use it to build skills, read, and participate in community programs.

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It will be take place at Kghodwana Cultural Village on Friday, November 14 from 11:00. As the custodians of arts and culture in the province, the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Dr Esther Mahlangu’s 90th birthday.

“We’re bringing everyone under one roof to celebrate the milestone of our national treasure and to honour her contribution to the arts. We’ve invited sister departments and the private sector to come together to make this milestone memorable for her
and what she stands for,” says the department’s spokesperson, Sibongile Nkosi, adding that the official hashtag of the birthday celebration is #90YearsOfDrEstherMahlangu.

READ | Dr Esther Mahlangu receives honorary doctorate

Born in Middelburg in 1935 on November 11, the soon-to-be nonagenarian has taken Ndebele art to the global stage. Throughout her illustrious career, she has served as a cultural ambassador, with her works exhibited in leading museums worldwide. She has collaborated with international brands and artists, including BMW, Belvedere Vodka, and John Legend.

ALSO READ | MEC Mabuza calls for greater recognition of Dr Esther Mahlangu’s work

In recognition of her impact, a street in New York has been named in her honour, featuring a mural inspired by her iconic Ndebele designs. In 2018, the University of Johannesburg awarded her an honorary doctorate for her outstanding contribution to the arts.

“The Mpumalanga Provincial Government will celebrate her legacy and lifetime achievements with a programme that reflects her artistic journey and the cultural heritage she inspires,” concludes Nkosi.

The event details are as follows:
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 11:00
Venue: Kghodwana Cultural Village, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Nkangala District

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She made the call during her visit to the “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu exhibition” held at the Wits Art Museum in Braamfontein on Thursday, March 20.

The Mpumalanga-born renowned Ndebele artist, has made significant strides in promoting African culture and heritage through her vibrant and unique artwork. Mabuza praised the esteemed artist’s tireless efforts to preserve and promote Mpumalanga’s rich cultural heritage, stating her work deserves more recognition and within the province.

“It was a profound experience walking through the gallery. Dr. Mahlangu deserves far more recognition and celebration as our very own Mpumalanga artist, whose work embodies the rich cultural heritage of our province,” she said.
She emphasised the need for a dedicated space to preserve her artworks in Mpumalanga, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

READ | Dr Esther Mahlangu receives honorary doctorate

“We must honour her incredible contribution to our cultural landscape by preserving her artworks in a dedicated space within the province. This will not only celebrate her achievements, but also ensure that her legacy continues to inspire future generations,” she added.

Moreover, the MEC highlighted the importance of innovation and digitisation in preserving the talented artist’s work, as well as ensuring royalties for her family for commercialised works.

“We need to harness innovation to preserve her artistic legacy, ensuring that her work is fully digitised and accessible to all,” said Mabuza. “Furthermore, we must ensure that her family receives fair royalties for her commercialised work.”

The exhibition, which features over 100 artworks, including her iconic BMW Art Car, beadwork, and painted mannequins, showcases her stunning blend of traditional Ndebele designs with modern styles.

PICTURES: Moments of the exhibition

The Curator, Dr Nontobeko Ntombela explained that, “This retrospective offers a remarkable opportunity to experience Esther Mahlangu’s artistic journey. Her work has had a profound impact on South African modern and contemporary art, and this exhibition is a testament to her incredible contribution.”

The visit by MEC Mabuza demonstrates the department’s commitment to supporting and celebrating Dr. Mahlangu’s contributions to the cultural landscape of Mpumalanga.

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This was revealed during the media launch on Thursday held at Hoyohoyo Angel’s View Hotel in Graskop where partners, stakeholders, clients, and advertisers gathered to celebrate the start of METRO FM’s awards season.

SABC Group Executive: Radio, Nada Wotshela says the MMAs have a significant impact on the South African music industry and the country at large.

“We would like to thank the Mpumalanga Provincial Government for their unwavering support and commitment over the past two years of the awards.

This partnership, which has been mutually beneficial, has also ensured that as the SABC, we have also contributed positively to the economic development of the province, through showcasing the magnificent tourist destinations the province has to offer, filling up hotels and smaller lodges, supporting local businesses especially those in fashion and beauty industries, and showcasing local artists.”

She also expressed gratitude to the Motsepe Foundation for once again coming on board to support the awards.

The Mpumalanga Provincial Government is also committed to making this year’s event a memorable one. MEC for the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, Leah Mabuza thanked the radio station for providing the province the opportunity to host the awards. “Mpumalanga will be showcased as a competitive destination of choice, but also a gateway to SADC economies”.

Leading up to the awards, the nominees’ announcement event will take place on Thursday, 27 February 2025, where all the nominees in the respective categories will be revealed.

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