Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM), in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, launched a state-of-the-art sound and audio-visual studio at the Heidelberg Library on November 27.
The project is part of the Libraries of the Future concept that promotes universal literacy, which includes media and information literacy. It will help to advance digital inclusion through access to ICT.
The state-of-the-art studio will assist the users in reading books and recordings, translating their work into audio material and podcasting.
It is for community members and creatives to let their dreams become a reality. It will provide recording facilities for artists from all walks of life and assist the visual and hearing impaired with reading aids.
That includes voice-over work, music, podcasts, poetry readings, and many more.
The programme is going to be launched in nine municipalities across Gauteng. That includes 286 libraries.
Selepe Madisha was the MC for the day. In his opening statement, he first welcomed everyone to the special event.
“Things happen in life and we must adapt and change our mindset. Confidence is not an action but starts with changing your thinking,” said Madisha.
LLM speaker Phindi Mpemvu said this is all a dream come true for the community of Lesedi.
“The youth and community can be an asset. Each person has talents that need to be nurtured and tapped into.
“There are many creatives and artists in the Lesedi area and this new library can be their stepping stone to launching their careers. Each person needs to take ownership of their abilities and talents and run with it,” said Dr Nompumelo Khawula, HOD Communications Services.
There are so many artists in the area who do not have the correct facilities to record their dreams. This AV Studio could be the right tool for them.
”This innovation is a milestone for libraries across the country. We as the government arm want to support the communities and want them to use the facilities to benefit their careers,” said Ayanda Sibizwe from the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Lesedi Mayor Mluleki Nkosi gave the keynote speech.
“This is proof that we want the youth to flourish and want to give the community access to the new studio. This studio is a testimony of complete transformation and to improve access to information for the community.
“We want this facility to be available to people from all walks of life and using it will be free. This is not just for the able-bodied, but the visually and hearing impaired will also use the facilities.
“We as the municipality want to ensure your dreams can get wings. You must just learn how to fly.
Furthermore, each person in the community must look after the infrastructure and not abuse the facilities,” said Nkosi.
Ward 9 Clr Gerry Holtshausen closed the main proceedings, saying, “The community needs to utilise the facilities and hopefully we have a budding artist in our midst. Start showcasing your talents and learning new skills and who knows what the future holds,” concluded Holzhausen.
After the speeches, Nkosi and some dignitaries proceeded to the studio entrance, where the mayor unveiled the new plaque and cut the ribbon to the facility.
