Denis Opudo
Bushbuckridge Primary School based in Mpumalanga, South Africa can now boast of having a fully serviced library in its compound. The piloting of the modular library was done four years ago through the partnership between JSE-listed Metrofile Holdings Limited’s group firm CSX Customer Services and South African based charity group that agitates for a safer SA SHOUT. CSX majors in supplying, installing and supporting business solutions. This includes packaging and mailing machines, library security systems and scanners. The company has its branches in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and Johannesburg. The CSX New Business Development Team targets to supply solutions into Africa. Currently, it has customers in Mozambique, Ghana, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Uganda.
According to Mario Martins the CSX Customer Services’ MD, the initiative came up due to the need for quality education and improved literacy in the country. Other fully furnished libraries that were previously launched in SA include Soshanguve, Tembisa, and Harrismith. Plans are underway to launch another library in Motherwell in the Eastern Cape.
A significant percentage of CSX businesses are set aside to offer education solutions both in Sub-Saharan Africa and in SA. This proves the significant role played by the company in the construction of the library. A good number of children from SA cover 6km while trying to access a well-equipped library. Therefore the library in Bushbuckridge Primary School will help convert the time wasted in covering the large distance into reading in a good environment and improve children’s learning experience. Young people need imagination and education in the better development of their minds.
According to Martin, the module libraries are developed from chromadex materials. They are in a position to last for not less than 50 years, therefore, calling for less maintenance. His company has ensured that the libraries are fully equipped. This includes equipping them with children’s furniture to offer a good environment for their studies. Every library is located in areas that are well-lit and are mainly in communal locations. Reception of the library by the children has been appealing. Many of them prefer to spend the afternoon hours in libraries reading. CSX remains committed to supplying as many modular libraries as they can. This will help in the improvement of the education sector.
Launched in 1983, Metrofile Holdings Limited is the leader of records and information management (RIM) in SA and various countries in Africa. The company has come up with innovative, customized and scaled solutions for its customers. Its customer base includes government departments, private practices, institutions, organizations, and businesses. For 30 years since the launch, the company in the only available full-service firm that can give a wide range of solutions that suits its client’s needs.
