Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, MP, will launch Mzansi Libraries On-Line and host the Craft Imbizo on Tuesday, 21 April 2015, in Delarayville and Mokgobistad, respectively.

She will kick-start her visit by hoisting the national flag at Reatlegile Primary School as part of the Department of Arts and Cultures’ Flag in every school campaign which seeks to promote national identity, instil the spirit of patriotism, love for our country, nation building and social cohesion.

The Deputy Minister will hand over IT equipments including 20 computers, 10 tablets, 1 scanner, 1 printer, 10 e-readers and gaming sets, to Delarayville Public Library. This is part of Mzansi Libraries On-Line Pilot Project funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Later on the day, the Deputy Minister will proceed to Mokgobistad for the Craft Imbizo. The Craft Sector has long being acknowledged as one of the strategic sectors for socio-economic development and job creation in the country. Despite this, many challenges still beset this sector. These challenges ranges from access to information, access to viable markets, access to reasonably priced raw materials for craft production as well as access to funding and finance.

It is for this reason that the Deputy Minister will conduct craft imbizo to provide a platform for crafters to engage on the challenges, share ideas on craft sectors’ development and how craft sector can be better serviced moving forward.

Media are invited to join the Deputy Minister as follows:

1. Flag Hoisting

Date                : 21 April 2015

Venue            : Reatlegile Primary School (Delarayville, North West)

Time               : 07:30

2. Launch of Mzansi Libraries On-Line

Date                : 21 April 2015

Venue            : Delarayville Public Library (Delarayville, North West).

Time               : 09:00

3. Craft Imbizo

Date                : 21 April 2015

Venue            : Mokgobistad Community Hall, Ratlou Local Municipality

Time               : 13:00

For RSVP: Mr. Obed Makgoale: 060 974 0789/012 441 3713- E-mail: ObedM@dac.gov.za

For media enquiries contact Mr Peter Mbelengwa on 082 611 8197 / petermb@dac.gov.za

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Department of Arts and Culture

17 April 2015