#ForYOUTH: Meet Lonwabo

Meet Lonwabo: YearBeyond. 

Lonwabo knew every corner of the Bellville Library. His reading nook where he lost himself, chapter by chapter, the quiet aisles and well-worn shelves that held his most cherished stories. For Lonwabo, it was more than a library. It was a treasure trove. It was a place of discovery, where his passion for reading took root and his creativity flourished. His mother would set aside what she could to buy him magazines. He read them, cover to cover, the contents capturing his interest and crafting the framework for his future.

Yet, it was within the walls of a library that his imagination truly soared. He didn’t just read books, he immersed himself in them, exploring narratives and worlds far beyond his own. As he grew, so did his focus on learning, writing, and sharing stories. Years later, he returned, not as the young boy curled up with a book, but as a librarian, determined to inspire in others the same love for literature that had shaped his own journey.

Currently, Lonwabo serves as a marketing support officer, but his journey began in the heart of a library. Before stepping into his current role, he was a Librarian at Brackenfell Library, a position that felt like a natural extension of his lifelong love for books and learning. His connection to libraries was never passive. As a young boy at Bellville Primary, he eagerly attended teen programmes and book clubs, drawn to the conversations, the stories, the shared passion for reading. For him, the library was a refuge, a place where his knowledge was valued.

He could recall moments when his librarians would turn to him for book suggestions during the weekly meetings, recognising his familiarity with the library’s large collection. It was in those moments that he felt that spark, an understanding that libraries were more than just buildings filled with books. They were spaces of possibility, and he wanted to be part of that. 

After school, he would visit the library daily, sometimes just to linger in the comfort of its walls, sometimes to volunteer, but always to learn. The more time he spent there, the clearer his path became. Inspired by the very people who had once guided him, he set his sights on becoming a Librarian. With determination, he applied for the City of Cape Town bursary and specifically interested in the University of the Western Cape to pursue a Bachelor’s in Library and Information Studies.

His journey into librarianship opened his eyes to the gaps in access and opportunity in historically disadvantaged areas. He had seen it firsthand while growing up, while volunteering, while listening to the stories of those who had been left behind by circumstances beyond their control. There was work to be done, and he was ready to be part of the solution.

Last year, he had the privilege of attending the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) programme, a turning point in his career. Engaging with other librarians, exchanging ideas, and comparing challenges. He knew to take action within his own community. Generally, librarians have targets to meet, but Lonwabo saw beyond the numbers. He saw quality before quantity. The real potential for change.

He assisted an integrated library programme, bringing together a network of libraries to create meaningful impact. One of his power projects was the Digital Literacy Programme, which he spearheaded alongside other local Librarians. Their goal was ambitious yet necessary - to empower women in low-income communities by equipping them with digital skills. However, Lonwabo wanted to take it a step further. He envisioned a programme these women could publish a book sharing their own narratives, past experiences, and voices with the world.

For him, libraries had always been his sanctuary. With this project, he was helping others to gain skills and achieve more with those skills. With each meeting, each discussion, each step of the journey, he saw these women find their voices, their confidence, their place in a space that had so often been closed off to them.

The Digital Literacy and Publishing project was a moment of profound pride. As these women launched their published works, surrounded by family, friends and neighbours, there was a palpable sense of achievement, of belonging. He once spoke with one of the women involved, expressing how throughout her life, she hadn’t had something to put her name to, but now, there was at her local library in Scottsdene. The joy of reading, of writing, of seeing one’s story in print. At the end of the day, this was more than just a project. It was women to women stories. This was community. This was unity. This was the true power of libraries.

He knew of the violence and crime that had become the norm in his community, but with this project, there was finally something positive.

Life is a continuous journey of learning and growth. Throughout his development, Lonwabo embraced a particularly meaningful skill, editing the women’s stories and gaining new perspectives. He learned to place narratives in context, approaching them with empathy, neutrality, and an appreciation for diverse backgrounds. Over time, he became more sensitive and open-minded, choosing kindness over judgment.

His role as a public servant has allowed him to engage with individuals on a deeper level, peeling back layers to understand their experiences. The most profound impact has come from hearing local stories, fostering literacy, and contributing to personal and community development. His critical approach to literacy has added depth to his work, shaping his perspective on both storytelling and skills development.

Perhaps most rewarding has been witnessing the impact of his efforts in empowering voices, uplifting communities, and seeing tangible results. Namely, in the form of a woman from the publishing programme having her script adapted into a play. From reader to editor to writer, Lonwabo’s journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to inspire change.

Through it all, Lonwabo carried with him the lessons and sacrifices of his mother. He understood her struggles, appreciated her quiet strength, and honoured her efforts in every step of his journey. In her, he had seen resilience. In the library, he had found possibility. And in the stories he now helps others share, he sees his future, one where knowledge, access, and opportunity are within reach.