Congratulations to: 2025 LIASA-SABINET Presidential Grant Winners

Empowering New Voices in the Library and Information Sector

Sabinet commits to sector growth by providing crucial exposure through the Presidential Grant. Recognising the value of first-hand experience. This grant creates a transformative opportunity for librarians who have never attended the annual LIASA conference. Sabinet, together with LIASA, created this access point. These Librarians can experience the research presentations, learn from their peers, and participate fully in the national dialogue.

TESTIMONIALS

NQOBILE FOVOURITE SHABALALA, Ga-Rankuwa Library

“I’m thrilled to express my gratitude and appreciation to LIASA and Sabinet for providing me with the opportunity to receive the LIASA-SABINET Presidential Grant Award. Attending the conference as a first-time attendee was an incredibly fulfilling experience. The ideas, energy, and collaboration were truly inspiring. Receiving the grant was an honourable moment, and I’m grateful to be acknowledged among such dedicated and hardworking LIASA and SABINET members.” NQOBILE FOVOURITE SHABALALA, Ga-Rankuwa Library

HLAYISANANI EVANS KHETIWA, IIE Varsity College

“Attending the LIASA Conference was an inspiring and transformative experience. Still, after attending LIASA, I feel brand new and ready to serve my community with renewed passion. The conference reignited my love for the profession and reminded me why I chose to study Library and Information Science. Listening to my colleagues’ presentations was both eye-opening and educational. I am motivated to start writing my first article, which I am currently preparing for publication, with hopes of collaborating further with SABINET.

Receiving the LIASA SABINET Presidential Grant is an honour that holds deep personal and professional meaning. Personally, coming from a disadvantaged background, this award enabled me to travel to Gqeberha for the first time. A truly memorable milestone. Professionally, being recognised by both LIASA and SABINET, the leading bodies in the LIS field, reaffirmed my work as impactful and valued. It signifies growth, acceptance, and a call to contribute meaningfully to the LIS community. I can inspire new students who may be as uncertain as I once was.” HLAYISANANI EVANS KHETIWA, IIE Varsity College

MAPHEFO MAAKE, NWU University Libraries

“Attending the LIASA 2025 Conference as a recipient of the Sabinet Presidential Grant was an inspiring and enriching experience. The conference provided a valuable platform for me to network, share, and gain knowledge from fellow librarians from across the country. I had the privilege of chairing one of the sessions, which was a rewarding learning opportunity for me. Attending and listening to colleagues’ presentations offered valuable insights and best practices that I intend to share with my peers at NWU and implement where applicable.”

“Being in the Eastern Cape, close to the beach, over 1000 km from where I am based, also gave me a moment of reflection. To rethink my role as a librarian and how I can contribute more meaningfully to the profession and the communities I serve in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I would like to once again extend my sincere appreciation to Sabinet, LIASA, and NWU Management for affording me this opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the advancement of the library profession.” MAPHEFO MAAKE, NWU University Libraries