NWU Library and Information Service News

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Ms Maggie Melk-Sindwa, who has officially left her position as Faculty Librarian: Humanities at North-West University. While her departure marks the end of a meaningful chapter for our team, it also signals the beginning of an exciting new journey in her professional life, and for that, we couldn’t be more proud.

Ms. Melk-Sindwa has played a key role in the Information and Learning Services team at Potchefstroom Campus, demonstrating her dedication to academic excellence and student achievements. Known for her steadfast support of both the Faculty of Humanities and the wider student body, she brought passion and purpose to every interaction with library users.

As she steps into a new role beyond NWU, we commend her bravery to grow, her dedication to lifelong learning, and the example she sets for us all. Career development is not only about progressing; it’s about progressing with purpose. Ms Melk-Sindwa personifies that spirit.

We wish her every success in her new endeavour and look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make in the Library and Information Service sector and beyond.

Thank you, Ms Melk-Sindwa, for everything. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Mr. Songezo Mpikashe has been appointed as the Manager for Research and Open Scholarship at North-West University (NWU) Library and Information Service (LIS), effective 1 August 2025, based at the Vanderbijlpark Campus. He previously served as Senior Librarian for Institutional Repositories and Digital Scholarship at NWU.

Mr. Mpikashe has over seven years of growing experience in academic librarianship, specialising in managing institutional repositories, digital scholarship, research data management, open access and open science advocacy, copyright, and scholarly communication. He is also the author of the isiXhosa novel Intembeko Ndiyazi Kum.

In his role at NWU, Songezo oversees the university's institutional repositories, Boloka and DayTa YaRona, as well as the Digital Scholarship Centre, including the Research & Honours Commons. His work focuses on strengthening NWU's digital research environment through support for research data workflows, management of the Open Journal System (OJS), digital preservation practices, and advocacy for open access publishing.

Before joining NWU, he was a Scholarly Communications Librarian at Stellenbosch University, where he engaged in copyright advocacy, digital repository development, and researcher support programmes. His previous roles at the University of the Western Cape and Cape Peninsula University of Technology provided him with extensive experience in institutional repositories, copyright, open educational resources, user services, collection development, interlibrary loans, and library instruction.

Mr Mpikashe is passionate about equitable access to knowledge and advancing a research culture that promotes open science and sustainable digital infrastructure. His work also includes digitisation of special collections, metadata curation, and training initiatives for emerging researchers and postgraduate students.

Academic Background

• Master of Library and Information Science (In Progress) - University of the Western Cape
• Bachelor of Library and Information Science - University of the Western Cape
• Certificate of Information Technology (ADT Teach Programme) - ADT Teach Cape Town
• Certificate of Practices and Principles of Project Management - Stellenbosch University

Areas of Expertise

• Institutional Repositories & Metadata Management
• Open Access Publishing & Scholarly Communication
• Research Data Management (RDM) & FAIR Principles
• Digital Scholarship & Preservation
• Digital Humanities & Special Collections Digitisation
• Copyright Compliance & Author Rights
• Faculty Training & Research Support Services
• Knowledge Management & Library Innovation
• Inclusive Leadership & Change Management in Libraries

Welcome aboard, Songezo! We are excited to welcome you to this new role. Your expertise, dedication, and vision will continue to strengthen NWU LIS as we strive for excellence in research and innovation.

The NWU LIS is delighted to announce that Mr. Maropene Thomas Ramabina, Information Services Manager and also serving the Faculty of Law on the library of the Vanderbijlpark Campus, has received a highly competitive international grant from the International Association of Law Libraries (IALL). The IALL Grants Committee selected Mr. Ramabina as a recipient of the Non-Members Grant to attend the 2025 IALL Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas, USA, in October 2025.

His application was considered exceptionally promising and merited, earning him a grant of up to $3,000.00. This generous award will cover his participation in the conference, including the pre-conference workshop and the optional day programme. This achievement highlights Mr. Ramabina’s growing international profile and reflects the academic and professional excellence nurtured within NWU LIS.

His involvement will elevate NWU LIS’s presence on a global stage and promote international exchange of knowledge in the field of law librarianship and legal information services. Upon his return, Mr. Ramabina will share his experiences and key insights during an upcoming NWU LIS Knowledge Sharing Session, where he will discuss the highlights of the IALL Conference and their relevance to our library practices and strategic objectives. We are immensely proud of this milestone and wish Mr. Ramabina a successful, inspiring, and safe journey to the USA. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition.

The Vanderbijlpark campus library celebrated the promotions of two exceptional staff members, Ms. Xolile Vilakazi and Ms. Nthabiseng Maseko, on February 25 and 26, 2025. As of 3rd March 2025, Ms Vilakazi assumed the position of   Assistant Librarian at the Potchefstroom campus (Information Commons), while Ms Maseko assumed the role of Faculty Support Librarian (Education and Humanities).

“Ms Vilakazi's and Ms Maseko's promotions reflect their outstanding contributions to the LIS. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have had a long-term impact on the team, and we are honoured to celebrate their achievements,” says Maropene Ramabina, Manager: Information Services at the Vanderbijlpark campus.

''Their professional experiences serve as an example of the power of dedication, commitment, and continuous growth, motivating younger professionals within the department. We eagerly anticipate their growth as they take the LIS to new heights," says Dr. Sabelo Chizwina, Director of Information and Learning Services.

The LIS team also bid farewell to Mr. Given Mudau, who has been an HSRC intern in the department since August 2024. His contributions during his time with the team were invaluable, and we wish him success in his future endeavours as he builds on the experience he gained during his internship.

We wish them a fruitful journey in their new roles, with rewarding challenges and significant milestones in their careers ahead

By Josina Simango
Library Intern, Vanderbijlpark Library

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 strengthen 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

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 CyberSafe 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 Johannesburg 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!

Reflection on the LIS 10th annual planning session: charting the future

The 10th Annual Planning Session of the NWU Library and Information Service (LIS) was not just a milestone—it was a profound opportunity to shape the future of the LIS in the evolving landscape of academic support and innovation. Held at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel, Mahikeng, from November 18–20, 2024, this gathering was steeped in critical reflection, strategic foresight, and dynamic dialogue.

The programmes’ opening sessions set a visionary tone with Dr. Mathew Moyo, the NWU LIS Chief Director, emphasising the importance of aligning the LIS initiatives with institutional strategies and global trends. Discussions centred on celebrating successes and acknowledging challenges, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. These reflections were crucial in evaluating the LIS’s contributions to the 2024 Departmental Operational Plan (DOP) and broader strategies, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Key sessions on emerging themes like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Krauss’s presentation on “Practical AI Skills and Ethics in Academic Libraries” illuminated the transformative potential of AI in enhancing library services while addressing the ethical complexities it introduces. The session underscored the balance between innovation and ethical stewardship in academic libraries, highlighting actionable AI skills and fostering critical discussions on responsible implementation. A notable highlight of the session was leveraging the feedback received from the Library Life Pulse Survey. This survey, a key tool in understanding user needs, provided invaluable insights. By identifying critical issues and areas for improvement, the feedback served as a springboard for actionable strategies. The LIS’s ability to see these weaknesses and threats as opportunities for enhancement is a testament to its progressive ethos.

Breakaway commissions and reports exemplified collaborative planning, with each entity and section —Information and Learning Services, Research and Open Scholarship, Shared Services and Outreach, Projects and Quality, crafting actionable insights for future initiatives. This participatory approach underpinned the session’s success, ensuring every voice contributed to shaping the collective vision.

The session concluded with a focus on 2024 and beyond strategic objectives and refining the 2025 DOP, while also mapping out the way forward. It was a testament to the LIS’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and responsiveness in meeting the needs of its university community. As the LIS moves beyond this session, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose and a robust framework to navigate the challenges of tomorrow. This gathering was not just about planning; it was about reimagining the role of LIS as a pillar of teaching, learning, and research.

LIS celebrates digital literacy milestone with end-user computing certificate recipients

The NWU People and Culture, Learning and Development department invited staff in Peromnes 13 to 18 to participate in the End-User Computing (EUC) leadership program. The program, coordinated by the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and funded by SETA, aims to enhance computer literacy skills. The EUC program provided participants with essential training in basic computing and software applications. This included operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office products. A particular focus was placed on mastering data management tools such as Excel and Google Sheets, with in-depth training on navigating the complexities of Excel, a skill many participants initially found challenging. 

The program was not without its hurdles. Participants attended three-hour sessions every Tuesday and Thursday over 32 weeks, submitting assessments each Monday. While many found the workload demanding, they expressed gratitude for the supportive and patient facilitator who accommodated delays caused by work constraints.

The initiative underlined the growing importance of computer literacy in the digital age, particularly in the library and information services (LIS) sector. The programme equipped library staff with skills to better support users, offer computer literacy training, and reduce overreliance on IT departments. This aligns with the evolving demands of a digital workplace, where adaptability and technical proficiency are critical.

A celebratory certification ceremony held on 10 October 2024 at Recs Hall, Mahikeng Campus, marked the successful completion of the program and honoured the perseverance of the participants. Distinguished attendees included Prof Sonia Swanepoel, DVC for Community Engagement and Campus Operations, Ms Helen Lekalakala, Director of Talent Management and Organisational Development and various senior managers.

In her address, Ms Lekalakala emphasised the division’s commitment to staff development, urging line managers to ensure that participants have computers or laptops to continue practising their newfound skills. Prof Swanepoel lauded certificate recipients' dedication and underscored the necessity of continuous upskilling in today’s dynamic work environment. Ms Makola echoed this sentiment, highlighting the critical role of technology adaptation in modern workplaces. Ms Kekana, responding to Ms Lekalakala's call, shared that the LIS was proactive in equipping staff with laptops and offering opportunities to purchase refurbished devices.

Representing the certificate recipients, Mr Itumeleng Kolodi and Ms Marolay Van Der Walt delivered heartfelt speeches. They reflected on their challenges and expressed appreciation to People and Culture for this growth opportunity. Their sentiments resonated with the ceremony’s overarching theme of professional development and resilience. Ms Lungile Dlamini, speaking on behalf of line managers at the Potchefstroom ceremony on 17 October, emphasised the importance of nurturing talent to unlock professional and personal potential.

She congratulated the certificate recipients and thanked NWU management and all who supported the program. The EUC learnership program stands as a testament to NWU’s commitment to equipping its workforce with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. The event highlighted the crucial role played by People and Culture (Talent Management and Organisational Development) in developing and nurturing staff.

Comments from certificate recipients: 

It was challenging to balance end-user training, work, and my studies at UNISA. I am grateful I was able to start and finish the training. 

I learnt a lot from it and now I can merge documents, I can work with Excel, and  I can prepare a presentation using PowerPoint. 

The training also provided a platform to interact with colleagues from all 3 campuses. It was a great experience. I hope more colleagues will use the opportunity to improve their skills. I also hope that there will be other opportunities like this one so that we can equip ourselves in the ever-changing world.  – Sifiso Luthuli

Contributors: Ms Molly Kekana, Ms Kholofelo Makola, Ms Lungile Dlamini, Ms Carine Basson, Mr Tebane Khoza, Wilna Fick & Mr Ntobeko Sikhakhane

We are pleased to introduce Mr Thabang Mngqwathi, the newly appointed Shelf Assistant at the NWU Library and Information Service, Vanderbijlpark Campus, as of 1st October 2024. Thabang holds a B.A. Degree in Development and Management, with majors in Public Management, Human Resources, Labour Relations, and Industrial Psychology, all earned from North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Valuable experiences have shaped Thabang’s professional journey. From August 2021 to October 2022, he volunteered at Koppies SAPS in the Free State as an Admin Clerk in the Supply Chain Office. During this time, Thabang gained hands-on experience in Vehicle Fleet Management and General Administration duties. Following that, from October 2022 to September 2023, he worked as an Administration Clerk under the EPWP Programme at Koppiesdam Resort, where he performed various administrative and human resources tasks.

Thabang was introduced to the Library and Information Science (LIS) field in November 2023, when he began an internship at the NWU Library, Vanderbijlpark Campus. During this internship, Thabang’s passion for the field blossomed, leading to the exciting news of his permanent appointment. Thrilled to have been selected for this role, Thabang is eager to continue expanding their skills and knowledge within NWU’s LIS department and is committed to making meaningful contributions across all campuses.

We are excited to introduce Ms Abulele Qwanyile, who has joined the NWU Library and Information Service (LIS) team as a library assistant at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, effective October 1, 2024. Ms Qwanyile brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the LIS field. She started her journey in 2021 after earning her Honours in Library and Information Science from the University of Fort Hare.

Her professional path began at the National Library of South Africa, where she served as a trainee librarian from 2021 to 2023. During this time, she gained invaluable experience across various aspects of library management. In August 2023, she embarked on an internship funded by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), hosted by the University of the Free State, where she continued to refine her skills and expertise.

With a strong dedication to supporting education and research, Ms Qwanyile is eager to contribute to our library community and enhance our services. Her commitment to fostering a dynamic and resourceful environment for students and staff is a great addition to our team. We welcome Ms Qwanyile to the NWU LIS family and look forward to her positive impact on all our campuses. Welcome aboard, Abulele!

We welcome Ms Agnes Lerato Moilwa as the newly appointed Presidential Youth Employment Intervention Intern at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, under the Outreach, Projects, and Quality Office.

Ms Moilwa has a strong academic background, holding a Diploma in Coaching Science (2021) from North-West University. Her professional journey began at Tshepo Primary School, where she worked as an Educator Assistant for 10 months. Following that, she gained valuable experience working as an Administrative Intern at Mega Roads and Civils for 1 year and 6 months.

Throughout her career, Miss Moilwa has developed many skills, including file management, organising and scheduling meetings, receiving deliveries, and ensuring proper file storage and safety. She has also demonstrated her ability to multitask, resolve conflicts, and operate office equipment such as printing machines.

As she joins the NWU Library and Information Service team, Ms Moilwa is eager to enhance her personal development and contribute to the Outreach, Projects, and Quality office. We are confident that her dedication and skills will make a meaningful impact as she embarks on this new chapter.

NWU LIS staff gain valuable insights at "Spring into Knowledge with Ebsco" event

On 4 September 2024, staff members from Information Resources had the privilege of attending the "Spring into Knowledge with Ebsco" session in Johannesburg. This event brought together a wide range of vendors affiliated with Ebsco, providing valuable insights into subscription services, eBooks, Open Access resources, and other academic resources. It served as a platform for networking with key industry players and allowed participants to familiarise themselves with the latest innovations and product offerings in academic publishing.

The event was structured to provide focused, informative sessions from various vendors and publishers, including CABI, Taylor & Francis, JoVE, PressReader, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Wiley, IEEE (presented by Ebsco staff), and GOBI Library Solutions. Each vendor highlighted their new and advanced offerings, while Ebsco staff presented on Ebsco Subscription Services and GOBI Library Solutions. The event's key highlights included updates on subscription services, eBook collections, Open Access resources, and digital archives.

Feedback from attending staff provided valuable insights into the event's impact. For example, Carine Basson emphasised the importance of meeting in person with vendors she usually communicates with via email. She appreciated the short but informative sessions that introduced new products, adding that these interactions strengthened relationships with suppliers and enhanced her understanding of Ebsco's expanded services.

Wilna Fick noted the event's value as a networking opportunity, allowing her to connect with industry stakeholders and colleagues from other institutions such as UP and UNISA. She particularly highlighted Wiley's Advanced E-Book Collections, Digital Archives, and the FASEB Conferences on Demand, considering them beneficial for NWU Library and Information Services (LIS). The exchange of experiences and ideas about various products added significant value to her role and understanding of the available offerings.

Moses found the event extremely useful in helping him deepen his understanding of the field. Connecting with fellow professionals and former colleagues provided further enrichment, and he expressed gratitude to his supervisor, Carine, for recommending such insightful events.

The Spring into Knowledge with Ebsco session in Johannesburg was a resounding success for the attending staff from Information Resources. It provided valuable networking opportunities, increased awareness of cutting-edge products and services, and opened channels for future collaborations. Staff members came away with enhanced knowledge of the evolving landscape of academic publishing, particularly in subscription services, eBook collections, and Open Access resources. This event facilitated connections with vendors and colleagues and equipped attendees with the tools to support their respective roles within NWU LIS better.