MARISKA LATEROA
The Cambridge Library Hall in Ku-Gompo City was transformed into a vibrant hub of intellectual energy and youthful enthusiasm as Buffalo City metro (BMC) libraries, in partnership with the Eastern Cape department of sport, recreation, arts and culture (Dsrac) hosted an impactful district book club session on Thursday last week .
Bringing together educators, parents, librarians, and scholars from across the region, the event served as a powerful celebration of literature, literacy, and community-driven education.
Setting an inspiring tone for the day, Viwe Mgushelo, regional librarian for BCM libraries, delivered a keynote opening address, expressing deep gratitude to all key stakeholders.
“Today is an important reminder that literacy is not only about the ability of reading and writing, but also about opening doors of knowledge, improving confidence, opportunities, and empowering young people to participate meaningfully in societies,” Mgushelo said.
She said libraries played a crucial role in uplifting schools and that pupils must have equal access to library resources.
Mgushelo said achieving this vision required continued, hands-on collaboration between BCM libraries, Dsrac, schools, the education department, and local community partners.
Mgushelo issued pupils with an empowering message of a call to action.
She encouraged them to seize every educational opportunity, to remain inquisitive, and to “ask questions.
“Ask a question a million times if it is a must, not only in class, but also everywhere where life finds you.”
The focus shifted to the heart of the day: an intense and engaging book review and reading competition.
Five schools from across the BCM district stepped up to showcase their analytical prowess and passion for storytelling.
The participating institutions included two schools from Dimbaza, Archie Velile Senior Secondary and Richard Varha Senior Secondary, Eric Mntonga High, and Sakhikamva High from KuGompo.
The competing pupils tackled two major contemporary literary works: I Am by the late, celebrated KuGompo author Luthando St. Lucas, and the compelling isiXhosa novel Intlungu Yokuhlalwa Lilahle Emhlana by award-winning local author Sipho Kekezwa.
The event also carried a poignant atmosphere of reflection.
The regional literary community continues to mourn the passing of Luthando St Lucas earlier this year. Richard Varha emerged triumphant as the overall winners of the day, claiming the coveted floating trophy.
Reflecting on their monumental victory, Dimbaza teacher Malibongwe Malgas expressed immense pride.
He said the win was a true embodiment of practical education, where pupils and educators step beyond traditional boundaries to experience real-world learning.
For author Kekezwa, witnessing students deeply engage with his novel proved to be a profoundly moving experience.
“I was left teary and emotional seeing his literary work become such an active part of the students’ academic review.”
As the successful event drew to a close, organisers issued a final reminder to the community: the featured books, along with a vast selection of other titles, are readily available in BCM libraries.
Attendees were encouraged to make full use of the library services nearest to them to continue fostering a lifelong love for reading.
