Niël Terblanché
The deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture, Dino Ballotti, officially inaugurated the 7th Namibia Library and Information Council (NLIC) during a ceremony on Thursday.
Balloti acted on behalf of minister Sanet Steenkamp.
He commended the new council members for their expertise and urged them to steer the sector into a new chapter shaped by digital innovation and equitable access to information.
The newly appointed council will serve a three-year term until 2027.
Ballotti noted that the recent call for expressions of interest attracted wide interest from the public and institutions alike.
“The nomination process proved challenging, and we are confident that the individuals selected possess the qualities to advance the sector to greater heights,” he said.
Joseph Ndinoshiho, University Librarian at the University of Namibia, was named chairperson of the council in terms of Section 14(5) of the Namibia Library and Information Service Act.
The remaining office bearers are Selma Negumbo, Hedwig Meyer, Fabian Kapepiso, Ndamian Hangula, Judy Grobler, Melba Mabuku-Sitwala, Annastasia Sinalumbu, Johannes Karondo, Martin Haukena, Jennet Kuyonisa, Patricia Hans-Ileka, and Sabina Neumbo.
Ballotti reminded the new members that their responsibilities are far-reaching and include strategic planning, policy development, advocacy, and the formation of strong partnerships.
“Libraries and archives have evolved into innovation hubs, community learning centres, and digital knowledge repositories. They are vital to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
He spoke about the role libraries play in providing access to information that empowers communities, supports education, and fosters inclusive development.
Ballotti acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing sixth council, which oversaw several key initiatives, including the development of the NLIC Strategic Plan 2020–2025 and the establishment of the National Library Consortium of Namibia.
He encouraged the new council to continue the process of reviewing outdated legal frameworks for libraries and archives to ensure responsiveness to a rapidly evolving information environment.
He urged the new council members to prioritise underserved communities in their outreach programmes.
“We must pull together in one direction, ensuring no one is left behind. Libraries must serve as agents of inclusion and transformation,” he said.
Ballotti called on the new council to bring renewed energy, innovation, and dedication to tackling the sector’s challenges and to establish effective cooperation with all relevant stakeholders.
