The Puku Children’s Literature Foundation was hosted by UNISA Library during the National book Week and in observance of International Literacy day to facilitate a demonstration of the Pukupedia to stake-holders. The stakeholders included librarians, Ilifa indigenous language activists, book distributors, publishers and others. Honoured guests included the CEO of the National Library of South Africa, Mr Kepi Madumo, Professor Mpho Ngoepe the Executive Director of UNISA Library, Mr Andrew Joseph the National Metadata Working Group Convenor, Prof Lorette Jacobs and many other luminaries in the Knowledge Sciences and Linguistic Communities. Inclusivity and disability mainstreaming were a prominent part of proceedings with sign-language on screen as well as for those online streaming the proceedings remotely.

Warm introductions by Programme Director Dr Thulisile Shandu-Phetla set the scene for the UNISA’s Vice Principal for Research, Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa Library and the academics giving way to a spirited performance of traditional Xhosa folk music by Puku’s Zanele Ndlovu. Her rendition using traditional instruments brought smiles to the audience, setting the tone for an engaging and interactive morning. Presentations by stakeholders ensued with the call for the protection of local languages being the dominant theme. As raised by Mr Mabutho Sithole of ILIFA, more books in Southern Africa’s tongues are essential for true democracy and transformation to occur. Puku Executive Director Elinor Sisulu’s remarks were punctuated by a glowing display of gratitude for long-time supporters of Puku and donors including Humulani Empowerment Trust and Barloworld Empowerment Foundation. 

A recognition of many collaborations over the years in increasing the availability of children’s books in our languages as well as off-line activities and partnerships including book review workshops for teachers and involvement in saving unique mother-tongues. One such language being N|uu that is in danger of being lost but through the valiant efforts of Puku and partners resulting in the production of a film documenting the many hurdles, Ouma Katrina, the 93-year-old last surviving native speaker of the language has faced but also to draw attention to the opportunity of preserving the language for future generations. The film “Language of My Soul” will be aired on SABC on September 29.

Puku Executive Director, Elinor Sisulu singled out UNISA’s Prof Thomas van der Walt and the first Black African Woman Dean Professor Rosemary Moeketsi for their impactful contributions over the years.

Another tangible result of Puku’s work with stakeholders was expounded by Dr Ntwana Mokuane in referencing the development of language catalogues for children’s books but particularly the Puku 100 Recommended Books in Sesotho. This particular catalogue aligns with the 200 year  (Bi-Centenary) Basotho Cultural celebrations this year. Although Biblionef did not present, this piece is possible because of their capacitation as distributors of the books in SeSotho.

The challenges persons living with disability face in accessing reading materials was addressed by Ms Nkateko Emily Mabasa of the Puku Disability Mainstreaming Network. It was well noted how many reading experiences completely ignore the needs of those that are differently abled. It was refreshing to witness Puku’s manifestation of inclusivity within the literature space by considering the needs of the disabled community and in so doing facilitating the integration of a diversity of people into the mainstream. Puku’s Nomvuyo Mzamane convened the Network in addition to driving the off-line children’s  book review workshops and quality review compilation for the metadata.

Following these inputs from stakeholders, Melvin Kaabwe was introduced by Elinor and proceeded to do a live demonstration of the Pukupedia book metadata creation process for enhanced book metadata. The book record is now able to be created in all the SA official languages as well as sign language in order to be inclusive to those persons living with a disability as highlighted by Nkateko earlier in the day. Book information is extended beyond the typical information to include the book review, various details on the translators, illustrators, editors and other collaborators including their biographical information to lend more value to the book data thus enabling parents, teachers, librarians and others to make a more informed and credible choice in selecting books for children. Being able to create metadata records in SA languages is a game-changer for the local book value chain but also holds promise for continent-wide distribution. The amount of data encapsulated in these new enhanced OnIX 3.1 records leads to more traction with regards to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) thus making children’s books in our languages more discoverable. As Melvin noted, “Puku is punching well above it’s weight as an NGO in this field…”

A panel discussion of respondents was then initiated to further enlighten proceedings as well as activate discourse. Panelists included the CEO of the National Library, Mr Kepi Madumo; Secretary of the Publishers Association of SA and Convenor of the SA National Metadata Working group, Andrew Joseph and Prof Lorette Jacobs of the School of Humanities, Department of Information Sciences at UNISA. The panel overwhelmingly expressed support for Puku’s bold new initiatives as well as pledged assistance from their various institutions to help realize the broader vision of “more books, better books” that Puku espouses.