Nelson Mandela Bay, UNISA Partner to Expand Library Access for All Learners

The partnership will enable students to borrow UNISA materials directly through their local libraries, eliminating the need for long commutes or expensive courier fees—especially for learners in underserved communities.

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the digital and educational divide, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has launched a transformational partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA) to enhance access to library services and academic resources across the metro.

The collaboration, formally launched at New Brighton Library on Tuesday, is designed to transform municipal libraries into vibrant educational hubs, providing not only UNISA students but also community learners with the tools, technology, and space they need to thrive.

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Bringing University Resources to the Community

Under the new agreement, municipal libraries throughout Nelson Mandela Bay will be equipped to support UNISA’s distance learning model by offering:

• Free internet and Wi-Fi access

• Computer and study facilities

• Delivery and collection points for UNISA library materials

• Access to digital academic databases, e-journals, and electronic reserves

The partnership will enable students to borrow UNISA materials directly through their local libraries, eliminating the need for long commutes or expensive courier fees—especially for learners in underserved communities.

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A Shared Vision for Inclusive Education

At the launch event, Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe hailed the partnership as a milestone in the municipality’s education and equity agenda.

“We are not just opening library doors—we are opening pathways to opportunity,” she declared. “This collaboration affirms our belief that education is the foundation of dignity, progress, and equality. It aligns with our mission to build a people-centred and inclusive metro.”

Mayor Lobishe emphasized the role of libraries as community anchors, especially in townships and rural areas where students often lack access to study spaces, reliable internet, or digital tools.

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A New Era of Library Services

Professor Mpho Ngoepe, UNISA’s Executive Director for Library Services, echoed the mayor’s enthusiasm, framing the partnership as a strategic move to redefine the role of university libraries in the 21st century.

“We are moving beyond the ivory tower model,” said Ngoepe. “This initiative makes it possible for library services to reach users where they are. Even non-UNISA students will benefit from broader access to digital resources and academic content.”

Ngoepe also pointed to future possibilities, including public access to research outputs and potential collaborations on community knowledge-sharing projects.

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Key Areas of Collaboration

The comprehensive agreement outlines several specific areas of cooperation:

• ICT training and digital literacy support provided by UNISA

• Shared marketing and feedback channels to monitor student satisfaction

• Reciprocal participation in events, such as book fairs, study weeks, and academic outreach programs

• Information sharing and joint statistics reporting to track resource usage and community impact

• Co-sponsorship initiatives, including donations of computers and equipment

The goal is to create a sustainable, well-supported network of libraries capable of serving the academic and informational needs of both enrolled students and lifelong learners.

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Social Impact and Community Empowerment

Sinesipho Kwatsha, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, described the initiative as more than just logistical support.

“This is a social contract—a clear commitment to equity and empowerment,” she said. “Through this partnership, learners from disadvantaged communities will have access to the same quality of resources as their urban peers.”

Kwatsha noted that the initiative could also provide safe learning environments for students who lack quiet spaces at home, helping to reduce dropout rates and support youth development.

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Looking Ahead: Education Without Barriers

The Nelson Mandela Bay–UNISA partnership is expected to serve as a national model for how municipalities and universities can collaborate to decentralize academic resources, close education gaps, and support the broader goals of social cohesion and digital transformation.

By embedding academic infrastructure within public libraries, the initiative not only fosters academic success, but also strengthens libraries’ roles as centres of community knowledge, innovation, and growth.

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For more information about participating libraries and access to UNISA services, residents are encouraged to contact their local library or visit the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s website.