The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Welkom Campus celebrated Library Week on 17 March 2025 under the theme ‘Libraries for Sustainable Communities’.

In celebration, the campus library also launched the Multilingual Reading Corner as a symbol of language diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all students have access to literature in their languages and a space where all voices are valued. The reading corner also highlights the importance of language, culture, and inclusive education, creating a space where students can embrace multilingualism and lifelong learning.

Ms Zukiswa Maya, Deputy University Librarian, emphasised the importance of libraries as spaces of learning and cultural exchange. She said that language plays a key role in education, identity, and access to knowledge. “Language is not just a tool for communication, it connects us to our history, our communities, and our future.”

Dr Lehlohonolo Motake, Deputy Director: Language Services, stated that language is more than just words but a part of our identity and culture. “Language is a human right. Denying someone the right to access and use their language is a form of marginalisation and discrimination.” He added that the newly launched reading corner will play a role in supporting students to access diverse languages and cultures, aligning with the university’s Multilingual Language Policy.

Mr Lemmy Mule, CUT Alumni, entrepreneur and distinguished author, encouraged students to document their own stories and embrace their African literature. “If we do not write our own stories, we allow others to tell them for us. Take pride in your languages and use them to create literature that reflects on your experiences,” he said.

 Prof. Solomon Makola, Director: Transformation, spoke about the transformative power of books. He said that books are more than just pages filled with words. “Books carry the wisdom of generations, struggles of the past, and dreams of the future. Reading and writing is a tool for personal growth and self-expression.”