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Tag: SILL 2026

  • SILL 2026 Cohort 5: A Journey of Growth, Courage and Legacy

    Nuhaa Portland, Librarian at Claremont Library photographed at her SILL 2026 Graduation

    Being part of the SILL 2026 Cohort 5 has been one of the most transformative experiences of my career. It was a privilege to be included in the final programme led by Christelle Lubbe and Tracey Muir Rix, and knowing it was part of Christelle’s last SILL
    initiative before her retirement makes it even more meaningful.

    From our first session at the Smart Living Dome to visits across Cape Town, I learned that libraries are not just about books, but about connection, innovation and community. Visiting spaces like Durbanville, Gugulethu, Hout Bay and Delft showed how differently communities experience library services and the importance of adaptability and creativity. What truly made the journey special were the personal challenges. Sunday evenings
    became a mix of anticipation and anxiety as I prepared for Monday presentations.

    Standing before senior management was intimidating and many nights, I lay awake rehearsing slides and questioning whether I had done enough. I would drive to the venues on a Sunday morning beforehand just to feel prepared and avoid any uncertainty. Week by week, it became easier, not because the nerves disappeared, but because I learned to manage them. The feedback I received helped me grow in confidence and refine my approach. SILL pushed me beyond my comfort zone and showed me that growth happens when you challenge yourself. The nervousness never fully went away, but it reminded me that I cared and that I was growing.

    The SILL Academy taught me that true growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. Beyond the invaluable skills gained, what truly made this journey unforgettable for me was the community. Guided by visionary leadership and bolstered by an incredible cohort, we entered as individuals and emerged as a united network. I leave SILL with a renewed confidence, a deeper sense of purpose, and a passionate reminder of why our work in libraries matters now more than ever.


    “SILL, you gave me courage. You took me places I never imagined and I cannot wait to see where you take me next.”

    By Nuhaa Portland

    Librarian

    Rondebosch Library

  • Awakening the Visionary: How SILL ignites the future of library leadership

    Thandiwe Kekela, Librarian at Cape Town Central Library graduated from the 2026 SILL Cohort

    We often measure the success of our library spaces,

    By the quiet order and the footprint of our places,

    But true innovation demands a different view;

    One that revives our purpose and awakens what is true.

    The SILL program is no mere textbook on a shelf;

    It is a catalyst for service and a mirror for the self.

    It guarantees its attendees are equipped to take the stand,

    With four foundational modules to guide a leading hand:

    Through leadership styles we learn to find our stride,

    As leaders, as innovators, with vision as our guide,

    As leaders, with a plan to map the path ahead,

    And leaders, as communicators, by whom clear words are said.

    It begins on a Monday, where house rules are set,

    Where respect and confidentiality are promises met.

    We came as unique spirits, both introverts and extroverts too,

    Learning to blend, adapt and start anew.

    We danced to release the pressure and the strain,

    Lifting the anxiety of standing to explain.

    And in the sharp focus of a two-minute presentation,

    Honest feedback from observers brought out our best.

    Tracey and Christelle paved a pathway so clear:

    Embrace your own uniqueness, for growth happens here!!

    SILL breathes new life into the public work we do,

    Preparing us for technologies emerging and new.

    Yet this mastery is never for our own sake alone;

    It is a tool to ensure our communities are known

    Prioritised, uplifted, and completely embraced,

    Ensuring no neighbourhood is ever erased.

    It calls for dual growth: the practical skill,

    Coupled with the deep, internal strength of the will.

    Through practice and consultation, it shows us the way:

    True governance is collaborative every single day.

    So who belongs in this room?

    The Aspiring Pioneer: The professional who wants to move beyond traditional boundaries and design libraries that serve as living knowledge hubs.

    The Resilient Public Servant: Those seeking to convert daily challenges into innovative solutions for the communities they serve.

    The Visionary Leader: One who understands that to impact an organisation, you must first invest in the growth of its people.

    Here, assurance replaces the shadows of doubt,

    As we celebrate what individual identity is about.

    This milestone has shaped us, professional and whole,

    Reviving our service and restoring the soul.

    So, look to the horizon, the threshold is lit!

    By Thandiwe Kekela

    Librarian

    Cape Town Central Library