Mr Amkele Jampethu joined the NWU LIS (Library Systems) on the 1st of November 2024. He has a strong academic background, holding an Advanced Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development (2022) from Walter Sisulu University. He also holds the certification of cyber safe from a learnership with Altron bytes solutions. His professional journey began at Walter Sisulu University, where he worked as an E-Learning Assistant for 10 months. He gained valuable experience and underwent training and implementation of problem-solving, social skills and facilitation of learning during electronic learning sessions in the 2021 academic year using blended learning tools. He also gained experience in maintaining DLT labs for students.
After completing his studies, Mr Jampethu started an internship with Capacity, where he worked as a Junior Cloud Associate and also worked remotely as a part-time Data administrator at Luthango Holdings. He gained skills in coding using different languages like Java, VB and C# to name a few. He considers himself a highly motivated and hardworking individual who possesses strong analytical and coding skills.
In October 2022, Mr Jampethu got his first permanent job as a Junior First Line Request Analyst at Computacenter, where he worked with a UK bank called Santander, providing customers with first-line assistance.
Throughout his career, Mr Jampethu has developed various skills, including access control, communication and networking skills, monitoring for attacks, intrusions and unusual unauthorised or illegal activity, Data Security Malware, Identification, Network Security Disaster, Recovery, Planning Threat Analysis and Threat Detection, Security.
Mr Jons Moretedi assumed duty as Senior Librarian at North-West University – Mafikeng Campus on the 2nd of December 2024, bringing a diverse experience from various sectors. He holds qualifications in Communications, Education, and Information Science.
Jons has amassed extensive experience within the Education and the Library and Information Services sectors, having served as a Librarian in acquisitions & Collection Development, a Librarian in Teaching & Learning, and as an Educator. These roles demonstrate his dedication to fostering information literacy, lifelong learning, and improved user experiences. As an active member of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), the South African Association for Language Teaching (SAALT), and the South African Council of Educators (SACE), Mr Moretedi is committed to advancing professional excellence and ethical standards in these areas.
Mr Njabulo Mdunge joined the NWU LIS (Research and Open Scholarship) on January 2, 2025. He is a passionate librarian with a master’s degree in library and information science, completed in 2022 at the University of Zululand. His research focused on the acceptance and use of ICTs within libraries, and it has shaped his career as a forward-thinking librarian in the library and information science field.
Mr Mdunge initiated and facilitated digital literacy training and community engagement programs. As a former head librarian at Emmarentia Library within the City of Joburg libraries, he has spearheaded various innovative programs, including the Young e-champions computer class, Academic Writing seminars, robotics, and coding sessions.
He is a dedicated researcher who contributes to the LIS profession; he has authored scholarly outputs in accredited journals. Mr Mdunge has also presented his work at numerous conferences, ranging from local gatherings to prestigious international platforms such as the IFLA International Futures Summit 2024 in Australia, Brisbane, and ICONI 2024 in Mauritius. These engagements have provided opportunities to share insights, learn from global innovations, and advocate for the role of libraries in building Smart Cities and enhancing healthcare delivery.
He is a contributor to Wikipedia. He ensured that the online encyclopaedia contains accurate information about South Africa. During the African Librarians Week: Wikipedia campaign, he was awarded certificates for his contribution.
As an IFLA grant recipient for Emerging Leader, Njabulo is committed to advancing library services in alignment with global trends, including generative AI and the evolving linguistic age. He is excited to contribute further to academic research and knowledge dissemination, fulfilling a long-held career aspiration.
Through his work, Njabulo continues to make significant strides in empowering communities, advancing library services, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
Welcome aboard, colleagues! We are thrilled to have you join the NWU LIS. Your skills, experience, and passion will be a great addition as we strive to achieve new heights together. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you. Let’s make great things happen!
Farewell to the Manager of Information Resources and Senior Librarian of Cataloguing
The Library and Information Service (LIS) Department bid a heartfelt farewell to the two esteemed staff members, Ntobeko Sikhakhane and Kholofelo Makola.
“For three years at the NWU LIS, since July 2021, your tenure has been characterised by your dedication and visionary approach. Ntobeko has not only managed the Information Resources section but has also significantly elevated it.” says Neli Tshabalala, Director of Shared Services.
His role has been multifaceted and demanding in liaising with book and database suppliers to ensure the best resources available, managing the budget with exceptional care and precision, and managing cross campus teams within the Information Resources section. He has been the bridge between other entities, the Research and Open Scholarship and Information and Learning services’ needs and the ever-evolving world of knowledge resources, ensuring that all requirements were met while maintaining strong professional relationships with the LIS partners.
The stewardship of managing the information resources budget is commendable, balancing the need to expand and strengthening the collections with fiscal responsibility. Ntobeko has been resourceful, especially in times when resources were stretched thin, with the ability to motivate additional funding support. His management went beyond tasks and responsibilities as he cultivated a sense of collaboration and nurtured other staff members’ career paths.
Kholofelo Makola joined the NWU LIS in November 2021 as a Cataloguing Librarian and, through her dedication and expertise, advanced to a Senior Librarian position within a year. Her tenure at NWU has been marked by an unwavering passion for the cataloguing area and a strong commitment to mentoring aspiring cataloguers.
Notably, Kholofelo developed a comprehensive training manual for cataloguing, a resource that has greatly benefited many LIS staff members pursuing their Bachelor of Information Science degrees. Her contributions to the professional growth and development of her colleagues have left an indelible mark on the department.
As both colleagues move forward into their next endeavours, their legacy will live on. The LIS team extend the deepest gratitude for your invaluable contributions to NWU. You will be sorely missed, not only for your professional excellence but also for your kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication.
We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours. May the road ahead be filled with new adventures, continued success, and great strides they will undoubtedly make in their careers.
Contribution by Director: Shared Services – Neli Tshabalala