The DUT Library Book Club hosted an event featuring book reviews and a debate on integrating indigenous languages into teaching, learning, research, and library services. This tremendous event took place on Friday 1 November at the BM Patel Library. The guest speakers were Pastor Sihle Yeni, founder of El-Betel Worldwide Ministries International, and Yachal Du Plessis, Lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT. The Programme was directed by Tamara Ntombenhle Sima, a third-year student from the LIS Programme, under the guidance of Romeo Matumba, DUT’s Librarian: Marketing and Communication.
Mr Matumba began proceedings with a welcome address, stressing the importance of librarians and other DUT staff in fostering DUT’s graduate attributes. He urged staff to mentor and coach students through programmes such as book and poetry clubs.
The Book Club Chairperson, Prince Mchunu, a third-year LIS student, outlined the event’s purpose and offered the audience a preview of what to expect throughout the programme. His introduction led to a debate ‘Integrating Indigenous Languages into Teaching, Learning, Research and Library Services’ which ignited a lively discussion between two student teams and the audience, emphasising the topic’s relevance within the DUT community. The debate session generated critical discourse around the preservation and integration of indigenous languages at higher institutions, leading to the sharing of ideas and practices. Guest speaker, Yachal Duplesis provided an insightful overview of the topic, offering analysis and commentary on points raised by both teams and addressing questions from the audience. “Today’s topic addresses key aspects of decolonisation, highlighting the importance of extending this discussion beyond the walls of DUT. We must foster this kind of dialogue to reach a common ground and collaborate effectively in bridging the gaps left by colonial powers in South Africa”, added Yachal.
As part of the programme, a session was held to review two books by Sihle Yeni: ‘The Workhorse: The Money Mindset’ and ‘His Majesty: The Holy Spirit’. This segment was moderated by Nokuphiwa Dlamini, another outstanding second-year student from the LIS programme, who engaged participants with thought-provoking questions to stimulate the discussion. Pastor Sihle Yeni, author of the reviewed books, shared valuable insights into his writing style and inspirations. He further expressed gratitude to the panel for their outstanding reviews of his two works.
Other interesting activities included a poetry recital by Junior Mhlungu, a third-year student from the Drama department, and a voice-over session by Nokuphiwa Dlamini and Lindokuhle Cele, also from the LIS programme.
The audience, guest speakers and panel discussion teams were all treated to promotional items such as pens, note pads and lanyards, sponsored by WWIS (WorldWide Information Service), LIASA, Clarivate, UKS and McGraw-Hill. WWIS also sponsored the event with two R500 Takealot gift vouchers. The voucher winners were selected from both the panel and the audience. The lucky recipients of the Takealot gift vouchers were Thembelani Mahaye and Amanda Shezi. Another highlight of the event was the provision of a delicious lunch prepared by DUT’s Hotel School. The Library Book Club team extends its sincere gratitude to DUT Corporate Affairs for their generous support in providing refreshments.
The event concluded with Busiso Mpanza, a third-year LIS student and the Book Club’s Project Manager, extending an acknowledgement to the book club coordinators, library management and staff, event sponsors, and most importantly, the audience, whose vibrant engagement made the day memorable. This gathering reflects the library’s steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of reading and writing within the DUT community.
Pictured:Guest Speakers at the event.
Photography: Nkululeko Mazibuko
Romeo Matumba
