City marks South African Librarians Day by welcoming 23 new library leaders

10 July 2026

The City’s Library and Information Services welcomed 23 new emerging library leaders as part of the celebrations for South African Librarians Day today, 10 July. Now in its fifth year, the programme has empowered 80 City librarians, helping them build the leadership skills and practical tools needed to strengthen public library services.

The group of librarians completed the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) training programme, which is currently in its fifth year. To date, the programme has empowered 80 librarians, equipping them to develop their leadership potential and advance their professional journeys.

Training sessions took place during May and June and concluded with the official graduation ceremony earlier today, coinciding with South African Librarians Day.

‘I want to applaud our librarians for their commitment to continuous learning and professional development, in turn deepening their impact on the communities they serve. At a time of rapidly changing digital landscapes, their commitment to learning new skills is highly commendable. By expanding their own expertise, they ensure that our library users have access to the highest standard of guidance and information literacy. Thank you for the vital role you play,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

The programme was developed by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois Library, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

It is designed for professional librarians currently working within LIS and serves as foundational leadership training, providing participants with the skills, tools and confidence needed to grow as future library leaders.

This included team interactions, practical experience in identifying problems, understanding user needs, generating innovative ideas, adapting their communication approach, planning, implementing, adapting, and reporting on library activities and effective networking skills.

A standout success story is Sipho Fako from the Wynberg Library, who embraced the challenge of professional growth by volunteering to present a lightning talk at the National LIASA Conference in October 2026, and reflects the confidence and leadership potential that the SILL programme seeks to cultivate.

Another graduate is Randal Rousseau, a general librarian at Valhalla Park Library, who is exploring innovative ways of using technology, especially artificial intelligence, to enhance library services, improve operational efficiency, and expand learning opportunities for patrons.  His project has helped make library services more innovative, responsive, and relevant to community needs.

‘The theme for the graduation is Future-Fit Librarians and recognises their commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and leadership. With SILL, the City can further equip our librarians to lead, adapt and respond to the needs of their communities,’ added Councillor Higham.

The graduating librarians are:

Caption: Councillor Higham with the graduating librarians.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office