By Vusumzi Mkhetshane
Reaching the 40-year milestone as a loyal employee of the South African Library for the Blind (SALB), Andrew Brooks received a certificate of Long Service of Excellence Award on 29 September 2023 at the library.
During the auspicious occasion, SALB CEO Dr. Pateka Ntshuntshe-Matshaya handed over the award in recognising Brooks’ contribution to carrying out the SALB’s mandate of providing free library and information services to the needs of the Blind and print handicapped users, among other duties. Also during the ceremony, Xola Kila, Library Dispatch Assistant, was awarded for his 10-year service at SALB.
The 58-year-old Brooks joined the organisation in 1983 and worked as a general worker with no formal portfolio. He currently works in the Production and Standards Unit in Audio Production as a Digital Technical Assistant.
“I started working with different forms of media including reel to reel, mark four tapes, cassette tapes, then we moved to CDs. My first flight on a plane was due to a working trip when I went to Durban Westville Prison to provide Audio Training to prisoners as part of a project to grow the library’s collection Audio collection as well as our contribution to the rehabilitation of prisoners to a larger society at the time” said Brooks.
Before 1994, as the country was facing political instability, the workplace was also met with daily challenges that employees had to face, including transformation and equality issues. Against all odds, Brooks persevered and remained a loyal employee of the SALB.
“Some of my highlights at the SALB are being able to be afforded an opportunity to transfer the skills to the new generation who recently joined the organisation. Being at the forefront of assisting in changing occupational policies and inclusion for all library workers is also one of the biggest achievements I treasure in my working experience,” said Brooks.
According to his colleagues, Brooks’ character of being trustworthy, hardworking and goal-driven has contributed to his lifetime achievement of being a well-respected and experienced library member. His colleagues and managers at SALB added that they appreciate his work and people’s skills.
The SALB management team said they are pleased to have worked with “Mr B” as his colleagues affectionately know him. They look forward to Brooks’ further contributions to the Library’s vision and mission in the few years he has left before retiring.
“I am forever thankful to the SALB for granting me an employment opportunity, and I am proud to be associated with this growing organisation,” said Brooks.
Control Officer), Mr Andrew Brooks (Digital Technical Assistant). Photo: supplied
