This year’s commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July 2025 will reaffirm government’s commitment to uphold the former statesman’s legacy on the upliftment of the impoverished people and inequality.
In remembrance of the former President and his passion to promote education, the Free State Provincial Government will commemorate the day with the official opening of the Qibing Community Library in Wepener on Friday, 18 July 2025.
Under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality”, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae will hand over the library to the community and engage in a series of initiatives to give back to the community.
The state-of-the-art library built at the tune of R23 million will fulfil the information needs of the community. The library is envisaged to assist in uplifting the community through the provision of educational and skills development resources as well as access to information.
The well-furnished library boasts children and adult lending sections, as well as a computer room equipped with 18 computers, providing free internet access, e-mail, and word processing facilities.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This powerful quote from former President Mandela calls on stakeholders to participate in efforts to improve the education of children and help the communities which are harshly affected by the realities of poverty.
Premier, MECs, government officials as well as local government representatives will engage on acts of kindness at the ECD centres and identified schools in Wepener, Van Stadensrus and Dewetsdorp to donate food, blankets, educational material and other essentials to make a difference in the areas.
In addition, the provincial departments and various parastatals will provide integrated mobile services to the community of Wepener. These include Home Affairs, SASSA, the Independent Electoral Commission, etc.