Minister Meyer Hands over R6 Million to Mossel Bay for a New Library

The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer, yesterday handed over a cheque to the value of R6 million to the Mossel Bay Municipality for the new library to be built in KwaNonqaba.

At the sod-turning ceremony, Dr Meyer stressed the importance of hope and said that the new library will be a beacon of hope in the community and the importance of young people embracing the knowledge economy. Dr Meyer sited the examples of billionaire and space tourist Mark Shuttelworth and Siyabulela Xuza, who has gone from being a praise singer for Nelson Mandela to becoming a top scientist, with even Nasa having named a large asteroid after him as examples of young people who embraced the knowledge economy.

He also requested the Executive Mayor, Alder-lady Marie Ferreira and the municipality to ensure that the library is stocked with chess boards.

"Playing chess teaches one the importance of having to make a move, of realising that every move you make has consequences, and to know that only you are responsible for the result of the game, of whether the game is won of lost. Like the game of chess, your life has to have a game plan," Minister Meyer said.

Dr Meyer urged the municoality to set a target for 16 June 2013 for the completion of the library to coincide with national youth day. "Let's give our youth a present on 16 June 2013. Let's give them a state-of-the-art library," concluded Minister Meyer.