Danny K and Kabelo open Mandela Day container library in Soweto

On 23 April 2014, 1 800 young learners from Grades R to 7 were in for a real treat when local musicians Danny K and Kabelo Mabalane, founders of SHOUT SA, arrived at Somelulwazi Primary School in Freedom Park, Soweto.

The two South African musicians, who together founded a movement dedicated to crime prevention and elimination, arrived at the school for the opening of the 41st Mandela Day container library, a permanent learning facility installed at the school that was sponsored by SHOUT SA and Breadline Africa, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

SHOUT SA sells music and merchandise to raise funds for projects that will prevent the scourge of crime in South African society. The organisation’s mantra, "A better me, a greater we", underpins its investment in education, since projects with a big impact on children and their ability to see the world differently help lay a foundation for a safer South Africa.

Through the support of the South African public, SHOUT SA secured funding for three Mandela Day container libraries – Somelulwazi Primary is the second recipient (Eisleben Road Primary School in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town was the first).

Network BBDO, the MAL (Make a Library) Foundation and Architects of Justice are also partners in this initiative, each having worked tirelessly to produce an innovative library design.

Inspiring a love of books

The Mandela Day container library launch was a huge success. As the doors to the library opened, revealing 2 500 brand new books that will support teachers and learners in inspiring a love of reading, 94.7 Highveld Stereo broadcast the proceedings over the air waves, and encouraged ordinary South Africans to work together in fighting crime through education.

The students got involved too, treating guests to a traditional dance, while Danny K and Kabelo wowed the crowd and principal Ntshangase cut the ribbon to open the library.

The school staff allocated 23 April 2014 to celebrating the launch of the library, and World Book Day.

The entire day was dedicated to inspiring reading among learners. All students assembled in the courtyard and learners were selected to read poetry and extracts from books, as well as display their ability to pronounce words correctly.