New Director to broaden access to vital information

Dr Siviwe Bangani, the newly appointed CPUT Libraries Director, embodies the transformative power of libraries. Bangani believes they can change lives by broadening access to vital information, empowering research, and nurturing opportunities for learning and innovation.

With more than 24 years of experience in academic librarianship, the established scholar in Library and Information Science from the small rural town of Libode in the Eastern Cape has been mandated to provide strategic leadership that positions CPUT Libraries as an indispensable partner in advancing the University's teaching, learning, research, innovation, and community engagement agenda.

“This means ensuring that the library remains people-centred and technology-driven, delivering innovative, inclusive, and sustainable services that create value for students, researchers, academics, and the broader University community,” notes the Editor-in-Chief of the South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science. The father of three began his journey at the University of Cape Town, where he passionately provided library support to the Humanities and later to the Engineering faculties. His dedication led him to CPUT, where he served as Faculty Librarian for Engineering and ultimately became the Branch Library Manager at CPUT's then-Athlone Campus Library, leaving an inspiring mark on the educational landscape.

His first senior management position was at North-West University, where he worked as the Manager of Information and Circulation Services. During this time, he was honoured as the South African Librarian of the Year by the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA). The purpose-driven author of two isiXhosa novels, Utitshal'omkhulu and Iimbuso ZikaGawulayo, holds a PhD in Information Science and a Master's degree in Information Science (cum laude) from the University of South Africa.

The approachable and collaborative leader who values integrity, accountability, and respect served at Stellenbosch University Library as Director: Research Services. Reflecting on his appointment, Bangani, who was fortunate to be part of a close-knit community grounded in the values of Ubuntu, said: “I feel ecstatic! CPUT is not new to me, so I already knew the environment and the many opportunities it offers to achieve excellence. I also recognised the strong foundation laid by my predecessor [Dr Elisha Chiware], which has positioned the library for continued success.”

He acknowledges that he inherited an excellent system, and he is excited about the opportunity to build on that foundation and take it to even greater heights. “By placing people at the centre of everything we do and leveraging technology to drive innovation, I believe we can make an even greater contribution to advancing CPUT's strategic priorities and supporting the University's teaching, learning, research, and innovation agenda.”

His family instilled in him a deep love for people, gratitude, humility, and an appreciation for the support of others. These values have influenced his belief that libraries are places with the power to transform lives. “I am passionate about making a meaningful difference, particularly in the lives of young people whom we have the privilege and responsibility to educate, inspire, and prepare for the future.”

Research is more than a professional interest for Bangani; he emphasises the importance of setting clear personal goals and working intentionally towards them. He attributes his current success primarily to intentionality. “I have never left my career to chance.”

He assures the University community that his team will do everything possible to deliver on their mandate. “Leading an academic library has long been one of my professional aspirations. From early in my career, I was intentional about building the knowledge, skills, experience, and leadership profile needed to achieve that goal. Every role I accepted, and every challenge I embraced, was part of a deliberate journey of growth.

“At the same time, I have been fortunate to learn from others, the mentors who were really exceptional colleagues, and of course the support of my family.”

Bangani, who enjoys walking on the slopes of Table Mountain and sightseeing, believes his greatest strength lies in people, both staff and those who use the library. “By empowering our staff, listening to our users, and working collaboratively with faculties and professional services, we will ensure that CPUT Libraries continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of higher education while making a meaningful contribution to the University's strategic goals.”

He is dedicated to enhancing the library’s national and international presence through partnerships, research, and engagement, while being aware that many students from under-resourced schools may lack exposure to well-equipped libraries. “For this reason, we will significantly strengthen our capacity-building programmes, equipping every student with the information, digital, Artificial Intelligence, and research literacy skills they need to succeed academically and professionally.

“My message is simple: dream boldly, work hard, remain humble, and never stop learning. Do not allow your background or circumstances to limit your ambitions. Instead, let them fuel your determination to succeed and to create opportunities for others.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za