21/05/2026
One-on-One Interview with Ms Khuselwa Mzangwe, the first Blind Librarian to emerge from SALB.
Reflecting on a Meaningful Journey at the South African Library for the Blind
As Ms Khuselwa Mzangwe concludes her notice period at the South African Library for the Blind (SALB), the organisation takes a moment to celebrate her dedication, professionalism, and contribution to the institution over the years. May 2026 marks her final month at SALB as she prepares to begin a new chapter as a Librarian at the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the Nelson Mandela Metro District, Gqeberha.
Having served as an intern within Library and Information Services (LIS) and later as a Projects Administrative assistant, Ms Mzangwe has been instrumental in supporting both administrative functions and outreach programmes alongside SALB’s Senior Librarian. Her growth within the sector has also been strengthened academically through the recent completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science.
We sat down with her for a reflective one-on-one interview.
Q: Khuselwa, as you conclude your final month at SALB, how do you reflect on your journey with the organisation?
A: My journey at SALB has been truly meaningful and life-changing. I joined the organisation in August 2019 as an intern for the mini libs project, fresh from university and with very little working experience. Over the years, I have grown both personally and professionally. I later moved into the role of Administrative Assistant for the Mini Libraries Project, where I gained valuable office administration and community outreach experience. SALB has shaped me into the professional I am today, and I am grateful for every opportunity, challenge, and lesson along the way.
Q: During your time at SALB, you recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science. Congratulations. How important was this achievement for you?
A: Thank you. Completing my Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science was a very important milestone for me. It strengthened my knowledge of the library and information sector and gave me more confidence in my professional abilities. Balancing work and studies was not always easy, but the experience taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of continuous learning. I am proud of this achievement because it has prepared me well for the next chapter of my career.
Q: As a visually impaired professional yourself, what does working in the blind sector mean to you personally?
A: Working in the blind sector means a lot to me personally because I can relate to the experiences and challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. Being part of an organisation that empowers blind and print-disabled people through access to information and literacy has been fulfilling. It gave me a sense of purpose and reminded me daily of the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities. At the same time, I believe there is still a lot that needs to be done within the disability sector to ensure that people with visual impairments are better accommodated in all areas of society. It is important that government policies aimed at promoting inclusion and equal opportunities are fully implemented and that the challenges faced by persons with disabilities are addressed in a meaningful and practical way that brings real change.
Q: What are some of the most memorable moments from your time at SALB?
A: One of my most memorable experiences was participating in community outreach programmes such as Funda Mzantsi and attending braille trainings in different provinces, where I was able to witness the positive impact SALB has on people’s lives. With Funda Mzantsi, it was inspiring to see blind and visually impaired individuals being treated as ordinary members of society and being given the opportunity to compete and learn alongside people without disabilities. For me, that truly promoted inclusion and equal participation. The braille trainings were also very meaningful because they helped individuals who had recently lost their sight gain the confidence and skills they needed to thrive both personally and professionally. Being given the opportunity to attend and facilitate some of these trainings really made a difference in my life as well. It reminded me of the reason why I studied teaching in the first place, and I am very grateful to Mr Matini for giving me the opportunity to gain experience while doing something I genuinely love. Working with schools and the broader community was also very fulfilling. Knowing that you made a positive difference in someone else’s life was heartwarming and gave me a deep sense of purpose. Another memorable part of my journey was the relationships and friendships I built with colleagues who became like family to me. I will always cherish the support, teamwork, and laughter we shared over the years.
Q: You also worked closely with Senior Librarian Ms Vuyo Mandongana and the Senior Manager for Library and Information Services (LIS), Ms Nomonde Maqubela. How would you describe that working relationship?
A: Working with Ms Vuyo Mandongana and Ms Nomonde Maqubela at LIS was a privilege. They both played a significant role in my professional growth and development. Ms Mandongana, especially, mentored and guided me throughout my journey at SALB, particularly in outreach and community engagement work. Although I am currently employed as an Administrative Assistant at SALB, she made it a point to groom and prepare me for greater opportunities in life after noticing how deeply passionate I am about outreach work. It is truly something that is close to my heart. Whenever there were opportunities for growth and learning, she always ensured that I attended and gained as much experience as possible. Through her guidance, coaching, and belief in my potential, I was able to develop both professionally and personally. Today, I feel confident and ready to use the experience and skills I have gained to continue making a positive difference in other people’s lives. I am truly grateful to her for the wonderful role she played in my professional development.
Q: What skills and lessons from SALB will you carry into your new role?
A: I will carry many valuable skills and lessons with me, including office administration, communication, teamwork, community outreach, and professional discipline. SALB also taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and serving communities with dedication. Most importantly, I learned to believe in myself and my abilities, regardless of challenges.
Q: How do you feel about joining the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in Gqeberha?
A: I am excited and grateful for this new opportunity. While it is difficult to leave SALB because it has been such an important part of my life, I also look forward to growing further in my career as a Librarian in Gqeberha. I see this as a new chapter filled with learning, growth, and opportunities to make a positive contribution in the library and information sector.
I would also like to sincerely thank the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for giving me the opportunity to serve within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro community. As people living with disabilities, and especially as visually impaired professionals, it is not always easy for employers to believe in our abilities and potential. Many opportunities are often limited because of misconceptions about what differently abled people can achieve. For the department to trust me with this responsibility as a qualified blind librarian is a huge achievement and something I deeply appreciate and honour. I am grateful for the support and confidence they have shown me as I prepare to join them, and I am committed to working hard and making a meaningful contribution to the community. I promise to honour this opportunity and not disappoint those who have placed their trust in me.
Q: What message would you like to leave for the SALB family as you conclude your notice period?
A: I would like to sincerely thank the entire SALB family for their support, kindness, and encouragement throughout my journey. SALB will always hold a special place in my heart because it gave me the opportunity to grow into the professional I am today. I encourage everyone to continue the incredible work of empowering blind and print-disabled individuals through access to information and education. I would also like to encourage the Board and Management to continue working hard towards ensuring that blind and differently abled people are given equal opportunities for growth within the organisation that serves blind and print-disabled library users. People living with disabilities should not be limited because of their blindness or disability, as this is something they cannot change. Policies and opportunities within the organisation should always be considerate and inclusive of the community SALB serves, while also creating meaningful pathways for growth and development.
At the same time, I would like to sincerely thank my Mini Libraries section for everything they contributed to my growth. Although I worked as an Administrative Assistant supporting them in their work, you would swear that they were the ones supporting me because of the level of respect, encouragement, and kindness they showed me every day. They are truly an amazing group of people whom I believe are called to serve mini libraries across the country. Our fellow blind members are truly blessed to have such dedicated individuals serving them. May they continue doing their wonderful work, and may God grant them strength as they often go the extra mile in serving our members with commitment and care.
To the rest of the staff, a very big thank you for the memories, support, teamwork, and lessons throughout my journey. I wish the organisation continued success, growth, and impact in the future.
The South African Library for the Blind extends its heartfelt appreciation to Ms Khuselwa Mzangwe for her service and contribution to the organisation. As she concludes her journey with SALB on 22 May 2026, we wish her continued growth, success, and fulfilment in her new role in Gqeberha.
