Spotlight: Meet Koketso Mokwatlo

Koketso (Koki) Mokwatlo grew up in Masahane, South Africa, a rural town in the Limpopo Province, where no library existed. Since that time, Koki’s life’s work has centered on increasing people’s access to books and the flow of information. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) located in the Eastern Cape, and is currently finishing a Masters degree in library and information sciences. Koki’s thesis focuses on the preservation of indigenous knowledge. At UFH, Koki lectures in the Department of Library and Information Sciences, as well as assists students with identifying internship opportunities.

Koki serves as head trainer in South Africa Partners’ Libraries for South African Schools Program (LSAS) in the Melani school cluster, a group of rural primary schools near the university. By training teachers in areas such as the overall management of a school library, collection development & maintenance, and preparation of library materials, the LSAS program is building much needed skills in order to empower the next generation to access books and learning.

Koki views the trainings as a “critical project”, part of the larger education strategy needed to redress the legacy of inequities that apartheid created. “The teacher/librarian training project is creating an artery by equipping them with information and skills that will hopefully enable others to access sufficient information,” she commented. Koki also noted the importance of establishing libraries in people’s own communities, so that they don’t have to leave their home to find information that they need. “The information is no longer out there, it is with us,” Koki emphasized.

“With information and knowledge, you have power,” Koki explained. Growing up in a place without a library, Koki understands the importance of creating libraries in remote areas with limited access to books. “By merely being in a field that focuses on information, I can give back to my community,” she says. Koki is especially concerned with increasing accessibility to books for youth. “Every profession depends on the access of and management of information,” she said, describing the importance of libraries for all.

Apart from her professional endeavors, Koki is deeply involved in community development. In her home town, Koki has initiated a project in which the elderly mentor youth, providing them with guidance and skill-set building, while the youth offer companionship. “Some of my immediate community members consider me as their own "social worker" as I help them, especially on matters relating to their children's studies,” Koki shared. 

Koki also enjoys cooking, baking, reading, traveling, listening to music, being with her friends, and engaging with people about important issues.

 SA Partners is grateful for all that Koki does to foster the joy of reading in children.