Thato Mgoma
Aggrey Klaaste Library, a state-of-the-art library was opened in Greenpoint next to Greenpoint Primary School on Friday. Greenpoint is one of the oldest townships in Kimberley.
The historical moment was witnessed by Premier Zamani Saul and members of the provincial legislature, the Mayor of Sol Plaatje Municipality; Kagisho Sonyoni; the remaining members of the Klaaste family and the Greenpoint community.
Aggrey Klaaste was a renowned Editor for the Sowetan (a newspaper based in Soweto) and was born in 1940 in Greenpoint.
This new library is on the same premises as the old one which had no seating space. Construction started in 2018 and was completed in 2020, at the cost of R17 million. The official opening was delayed due to Covid 19 and a few defects that had to be fixed.
The 540sqm library consists of a shelving area, computer cubicles, two staff offices, audio audio-visual room, a study area, a children’s area, and ablution facilities for the public, staff members, and children. It also includes a staff kitchen, study hall, and information desk.
Premier Zamani Saul pleaded with the community to look after the library so that the upcoming generation may also be able to use the facilities. The library also has free wi-fi.
MEC for Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Desery Fennies said the department and the community must nurture children from a young age, by introducing the culture of reading. She also emphasized that the library is not only for children but for the whole community.
“I am so happy I will not have to spend money that I do not have for data bundles, my child will use the wi-fi at the library for school work,” said one parent.
Neville Kgadiete, a family representative narrated the life of the late Aggrey Klaaste. He mentioned that Aggrey’s parents were teachers in Greenpoint and the deceased was Francis Baard nephew. Klaaste moved to Johannesburg to work as a journalist where he died at the age of 64.
Klaaste’s son, Jerome Klaaste ended the day by reading to pre-school children. They were fascinated and interacted with the reader, an indication that the library would be appreciated in Greenpoint.
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