The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) has released a statement condemning the burning down of libraries.  As pointed out in the statement,  this is the FIFTH library to be targetted!

 LIASA CONDEMNS THE BURNING DOWN OF LIBRARIES 

The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) wants to
raise grave concern  about libraries being targeted and burned down in
protests  against  Non-delivery of services.  The burning of the Library
in Balfour, Mpumalanga  on Tuesday was shocking.  So far four libraries
were burned down in protests in Mpumalanga Province , namely  Sakhile
Library in Standerton, Thandukukhanya Library in Piet Retief,
Siyathuthuka Library in Belfast and Mashishing  Library in former
Lydenburg in 2009. The fifth one to go up in flames is Siyathemba in
Balfour .  While LIASA recognises the right of communities to protest
and demonstrate,  we strongly condemn the senseless targeting and
destruction of libraries .  A Library is the heart  of a community,  a
beacon of hope, a symbol of upliftment and empowerment in any community.
As partners in education and social development, libraries  play a vital
role in eradicating illiteracy, inculcating a mindset of lifelong
learning and instilling a culture of reading which sparks critical
thinking and debate needed in any democracy.  To burn down libraries is
to  blow out the light that could lead many communities out of the
tunnel of ignorance. It is clear that the five libraries which went up
in flames took with them  opportunities to develop into a  reading or
informed community. 

 

Rachel More

LIASA: President