Sabinet is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Influential Library Leader Awards, honouring two outstanding professionals in South Africa’s library sector. This year’s awards recognise the remarkable contributions of Mokgadi Rebecca Senyolo and Winnie Mangotlo, both of whom have consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, mentorship, and a passion for advancing the library profession. 

These awards were presented at the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) 2024 Conference, an annual gathering that facilitates and celebrates leadership, innovation, and progress in the Library and Information Services (LIS) sector. 

Congratulations to both winners, whose dedication and visionary leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire the LIS community.” 

“The LIASA-Sabinet Influential Library Leader Awards reflect Sabinet’s ongoing commitment to  ensuring the growth and sustainability of the LIS sector,” says Sabinet Managing Director, Ros Hattingh. “These awards not only celebrate the achievements of Mokgadi Senyolo and Winnie Mangotlo, but also underscore the importance of leadership development and mentorship in shaping the future of South Africa’s libraries. We are honoured to recognise these exceptional leaders who continue to inspire the LIS community.” 

Mokgadi Rebecca Senyolo: A lifelong leader and mentor 

Mokgadi Rebecca Senyolo, Acting Manager of the Subject Branch Library (Muckleneuk) at the University of South Africa (Unisa) Library—one of Africa’s largest academic libraries—has been an influential force in the LIS sector for many years. Her career in librarianship spans decades, beginning with her involvement in the formation of LIASA. Throughout her extensive career, Senyolo has taken on numerous leadership roles within LIASA, emerging as a mentor and role model to numerous professionals in the LIS community. 

From her early years as a public librarian in Phalaborwa to her leadership in academic libraries, Senyolo has been a consistent advocate for mentorship, learning, and social cohesion. Her ability to lead during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in maintaining communication and support for the LIS community, speaks volumes about her dedication and commitment to the profession. 

As a co-founder of LIASA’s Marketing and Advocacy Interest Group (MAIG), Senyolo helped shape the organisation’s communication strategies, further cementing her influence in the sector. She remains active in professional development and continues to serve on the IFLA Bibliographic Conceptual Models Review Committee.  

Winnie Mangotlo: Driving change in public libraries 

Winnie Mangotlo, Director: Library and Archive Services at the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, has been a transformative figure in the public library sector, particularly in Limpopo Province. Her role has driven significant progress, including successfully improving the province’s management of conditional grants, a long-standing challenge prior to her leadership. 

Mangotlo’s accomplishments include the permanent appointment of librarians and library assistants—positions that had been temporary for over a decade—as well as the enhancement of service level agreements with municipalities. Her leadership has also revitalised the visibility of public libraries in Limpopo, boosting staff morale, promoting literacy and lifelong learning initiatives and enhancing the relationship with the stakeholders in the province. 

With a strong academic background, including postgraduate qualifications in Knowledge and Information Systems Management and Monitoring and Evaluation, Mangotlo brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Her contributions to library leadership extend beyond Limpopo, as she also serves as a member of the National Book Policy Task Team, further recognising her impact on a national level. 

Looking to the Future 

For over four decades, Sabinet has been a steadfast supporter of the library community in South Africa. As a founding sponsor of LIASA, Sabinet continues to contribute to the growth and development of the LIS sector through initiatives like the LIASA/Sabinet Influential Library Leader Awards.

The 2024 LIASA Conference, held at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC Durban) during the first week of October, attracted over 700 delegates and saw record in-person attendance at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The vibrant event highlighted the importance of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in the LIS sector, with Sabinet a recognised supporter of these efforts. 

Sabinet congratulates Mokgadi Rebecca Senyolo and Winnie Mangotlo for their outstanding achievements and their continued dedication to driving excellence in the library profession. These leaders embody the values of mentorship, innovation, and service, paving the way for future generations of LIS professionals.