Today, LIASA and the entire LIS community is in mourning at the passing of Prof Seth Manaka. I never had the privilege of meeting Prof Manaka but many in the South African LIS community has fond memories of him.
Prof Seth Manaka, an honorary LIASA member, he was also worthy winner of the SALI Trust – LIASA Lifetime Achiever Award in 2017, where he was recognised as one of the truly outstanding figures in the history of African librarianship and one of the stalwarts in the LIS profession in SA. He was known to be the first black South African Librarian and the first black University Librarian, teacher, lecturer, professor and leader in the profession, he taught and mentored a number of library executive administrators and educators.
Former LIASA President, Segametsi Molawa’s words at the launch of Prof Manaka’s Festschrift and celebration of his 39 years of Excellence in Library and Information Services (LIS) education and training at the University of Limpopo is good reminder of his contribution. She said that “Prof Manaka has contributed significantly to the transformation of the LIS sector. He fought for a non-racial LIS profession; was one of the transformation agents of LIS through intellectual contribution to the field of study and, was instrumental in shaping the future of several generations of students who came to study LIS at the institution... He had a special way of building confidence but was a strict disciplinarian who was not prepared to settle for anything less than performance excellence. He believed in his students and had a dream that South Africa can be a better country if all of us could use the key we were getting at the university to open the correct doors. He inculcated the vision of building an informed and reading nation among his students. He has been a lecturer, a teacher, a coach, a mentor, community builder... He used his education and wisdom to touch the lives of many in a positive way and inculcated good values of life in those who were receptive. Through his integrity, he has built a legacy in Africa and globally”.
May His Soul Rest In Peace and on behalf of LIASA and the LIS profession, we send our deepest condolences to his family.
Nazeem Hardy
LIASA President 2021 - 2023
It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce to the LIS community about the untimely passing of Professor Seth Manaka. According to the family, Prof Manaka passed away on the 07th February 2023. The Programme of Information Studies in the Department of Communication, Media and Information Studies at the University of Limpopo is deeply saddened by the loss. We send our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Prof Manaka spent his entire career in academic librarianship at the then University of the North (1960 to 1996), as an Assistant Librarian, Lecturer, Deputy University Librarian, University Librarian and later Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science. The Department of Library and Information Science at the University of the North now University of Limpopo was established by Professor Manaka in 1976 and it is now 47 years old. Prof Manaka was one of the truly outstanding figures in the history of African Librarianship and one of the stalwarts in the LIS profession in South Africa. Also known to be the first black South African Librarian and the first black University Librarian, a teacher, lecturer, professor and leader in the profession, has taught and mentored a number of library executive administrators and educators. His work counts volumes in the LIS community at large.
May his soul rest in peace! He will be deeply missed by the LIS community at large and partners who cherished his unfailing contribution in the LIS sector.
Prof Lefose Makgahlela
University of Limpopo
I would like to express our shock at the sad news of the passing of Prof. Manaka. I would like to recognise and acknowledge Prof. Makana's immense contribution to the profession, on behalf of the Central University of Technology Library and Information Services staff. We all stood on his broad shoulders as he tackled the transformation of our profession, his legacy is there for us to see and build on. We send our deepest condolences to his family and pray for his soul to find eternal rest.
Ms Betsy Eister
The Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship at the University of Cape Town is saddened at the passing of Professor Seth Manaka. He will be remembered for his iconic contribution to LIS education as well as to the practice of librarianship. The LIS School at UCT conveys its condolences to the Manaka family and to the LIS professional community of South Africa.
Prof Jaya Raju
UCT DKIS
What a jolly good fellow....I'm sure the class of 89/90 will remember him as such. He ..used to call "BaFilisita",(The Philistines,) especially when we hold a different opinion from his. He would go on to say " Just because a whole lot of you hold a different opinion from mine, does not mean you are right...." May his jolly soul rest in peace
Ms Suzy Nyakale
A gentle giant , a fatherly figure,very easy to relate to. Always with a smile. Our days at Unin were exciting because of people like Prof. May his soul repose in peace.
Mapeu Matabane
My first encounter with Prof Manaka was in 1993 at the University of the North now University of Limpopo during my first year as student in the field of Library and information science. We had fun moments with him until our cohorts graduated under his hands. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Condolences to his family and the entire LIS family.
Makgolane Phasha
The late Professor was my lecturer for four years at the University of the North (University of Limpopo) He was the most relatable lecturer I had, practical in his teachings, Knowledgeable especially in the Library and information Services field and a source of inspiration. He was forever travelling to one conference, seminar, meeting or another library related event, a busy lecturer indeed. He ran an exceptional race with passion and dedication. My condolences to the family, May his soul rest in peace.
Ms Tsakane Shiburi
Saddened by Prof Manaka's passing but grateful for his immense and graceful contribution to the profession. It was an honour to be involved with the SALI Trust and LIASA in bestowing their Lifetime Achievement Award on Prof. A scholar, a gentleman and a leader in challenging times. Condolences to family, friends, colleagues and students.
Mr John van Niekerk
I was surprised that he called me by my surname when we met at the LIASA conference in 2017. I was part of his 1989 class. Fair thee well my Prof.
Ms Jeannet Molopyane
Feeling sad and heartbroken 💔 Prof, You run
🏃♂️ your race as the doyen of the LIS sector during difficult times. I can give testimony as one of your student’s the contribution you made to your students who are today the captains of the Industry, the SA library and Information profession and African Librarianship is beyond measured. Condolences to the family and may your Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.
Mr Kepi Madumo
CEO and National Librarian
With the passing of Professor Seth Manaka we have lost an outstanding leader of our profession. It was my privilege to have known Seth and to have worked with him in various capacities. In 1980 I moved to Mmabatho in what was then Bophuthatswana, to start the library of the new university (now part of Northwest University). An advisory board of four senior library and media centre directors was appointed to advise me. Seth Manaka was one of them. It was the beginning of a warm collegial relationship. When he was elected as President of SAILIS (1990-92), as the first black African to hold that office, I served on his executive committee and got to admire and appreciate his leadership style. I was impressed by his ability to bring together two distrustful professional organizations, ALASA (of which he had also served as President), and SAILIS. He was a bridge builder who inspired respect in all sectors of what was then a quite divided profession. Always calm, unruffled, and thoughtful, he was able to listen -- a gift which sadly is not widely shared in our time. In 1992 I got to work with him more closely when I became the Director of the State Library. He served as a member, and later chair, of the Library's Board, and in that capacity played a major role in the creation of the National Library of South Africa. It was during the 1990s that the movement to unify our profession gained momentum. As a mentor to the younger colleagues who led the process of unification, he quietly played a major role in the creation of LIASA. Wise and patient, Seth was a leader in the best sense of the word, giving of himself generously, and leaving the very best kind of legacy: a cohort of motivated and empowered colleagues, many of whom followed in his footsteps as leaders in their turn. I salute his memory.
Prof Peter Lor
A giant tree has fallen. The news of Professor Seth Manaka's passing is received with great sadness. His respected influence on the LIS sector exerted with humility, empathy and wisdom remains a benchmark for all practitioners. He left us a worthy role-model for us to continue to emulate. Sincere condolences to Prof Manaka's family, friends, colleagues and members of the profession. Your loss is our loss
Ms Nikki Crowster
The South African Library and Information Trust (SALI Trust) is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Seth Manaka. Although this is a sad occasion, we appreciate the opportunity to reflect and celebrate a life well lived in the service to the LIS profession and the wider community. The LIS profession was fortunate to have had such a great leader, academic and extraordinary professor who played a critical role in the development and transformation of library and information profession in South Africa.
Prof Manaka will always be remembered as the first black library professional to obtain a Master’s Degree in Library Science at Unisa. He will also be remembered for important role he played at University of the North (later Limpopo) where he started as a young Assistant Librarian in 1960 and moved through the ranks to become the Head of University library in 1974 and then Professor and Head of the Department of Library and Information Science from 1982 until his retirement in 1996. He initiated the Higher Diploma, Bachelors and Honours degrees in Library Science at the university, thus contributing immensely to the training of LIS professional in the country.
Throughout his professional life, Prof Manaka was involved in the wider library profession and his contribution over a lifetime was immense. He was a founder member of the African Library Association of S.A. (ALASA) in 1962 and later became its President. He led ALASA with great passion and dedication instilling professional values and pride in the LIS profession during the times when library services and the LIS sector was divided along racial lines. Prof Manaka became a beacon of hope and unity, always striving to bring the then divided LIS profession together. He became the President of the S.A. Institute for Librarianship and Information Science (SAILIS) and worked with others to unify the various library associations in the country at the time, leading to the establishment of one non- racial LIASA in 1997.
Prof Manaka’s dedication to the profession did not end with his retirement. He played an important advisory role, including chairing the Inter-Ministerial Group on Library and Information Services in 1996. He was the first Chairperson for the National Library of S.A. in 1999 as well as the first Chairperson of the National Council for Library and Information Services in 2003. One could regard him in that period as an elder statesman for libraries.
The Honours bestowed on Prof Manaka within the LIS profession include the SAILIS award for meritorious service in 1981, LIASA honorary membership in 2007 and the SALI Trust / LIASA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 for his extraordinary leadership, commitment, service and achievements in the library and information field in South Africa.
A Festschrift, in tribute to Prof Manaka, was published by the National Library in 2015 has an appropriate sub-title: “A visionary South African librarian”. He was a teacher, thinker, leader and unifier. A humble and gracious man who did so much for the institutions, communities and profession he served with distinction.
To Prof Manaka family. Accept our Sincere Condolences during this difficult time. Grief will not erase the memories you shared. He will be with you always, living in your hearts.
To LIS Profession: Death will never rob us of the important way Prof Manaka touched our professional lives. Indeed the great LIS tree has fallen. The seeds he planted in the LIS profession will continue to grow and flourish for many generations to come. His Memory, now our treasure.
May his soul rest in peace.
Mrs Rachel More
Chairperson: SALI TRUST
What a loss. The very humble Professor. He was my leader, Professor and friend. Great Guide he was. Will miss him greatly.
Dr Andrew Kaniki
My heartfelt condolences to the Manaka family and LIS colleagues who had the privilege of being his students and associating with Prof Seth Manaka. Through you I became aware of his influence and impact on South African librarianship. His legacy will live on through you - make him proud. May his soul rest in peace.
Ms Ujala Satgoor
Seth Manaka: There Goeth A Man!
The song is ended, but the melody lingers on…” (Irving Berlin).
When we started 1990, we could not see him very much. 1990 was the year when Prof Manaka was President elect of SAILIS, and has to criss cross the world representing South Africa. I remember him being called to deliver a lecture at the University of California at Los Angeles in the United States of America. 1990 was the Golden moment and watershed for South Africa after Nelson Mandela was released from prison 11 February.
In 1990 we were 123 students in total in a Library Science class. From 123 people in 1990, four years after in 1993 we were 11, that brought him sadness.
He was a master teacher and a philosopher, always giving us context, his classes was not strictly about libraries but about the evolving society we live in; its history; navigating the paths to the Present.
In most of his lectures he made it a point that he reminds us about the law of libraries, Each Book Each Reader, Each Reader Each book.
"Public libraries" he emphatically and passionately remarked: "stands at intersection of humanity and its progress".
“You are the experts, my job is to help you, I am only God’s vessel”
On the importance of the public library he was spot on. Today I see Google as a huge public library and lies at the heart of society, and every day life
He was a very kind and loving man.
When family and friends gather to pay their last respects, they’d be celebrating the life of a man ahead of his society, a visionary, a philosopher, an astute teacher. He touched and built many lives and gave me and others, the spark to discover ourselves.
Sleep well Sir
Mr Chris Kanyane
From the LIS School at the University of Cape Town: We are saddened by the loss but also celebrate the life of an LIS icon who was a tower of strength in the formative years of professional librarianship as well as LIS education in South Africa.
Prof Jaya Raju
Prof Seth Manaka - a life well lived! A Library leader's life well lived. A leader who impacted us all even though some of us were not his direct students. In fact we were all his students in some way or other! Rest well friend and colleague
Ms Laila Vahed
I knew Prof indirectly when I was a First Year Student at University - very strict in the Department. We lost Great Giant indeed.
Ms Refilwe Motlhabane
Tlhapi folofela leraha. Metsi a ptjhele o wa bona. Mooi loop Prof.
Mr Teboho Morajane
Ntate Manaka, Ntate Makhanya (Fort Hare Library),Ntate Zondi (Ongoye), Ntate Leutsoa (Vaal) and ntate Mbete (Transkei National Librarian) were the groundbreakers in the LIS profession. We are grateful to them.
Lesedi Sojane
I am a professional librarian today. I went through his hands and teachings. he taught us to be proud librarians. continue resting in eternal peace prof, your legacy in this profession lives on. Class of 96
Unknown
I can undoubtedly say that I also passed through his hands because all the hands that molded me to be a professional librarian today passed through his hands, the likes of Ma'am Ntsala, Dr Tsebe and Prof Bopape. My heartfelt condolences to Manaka Family and the entire LIS community. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Auspicious Seshwene
Condolences to the family and loved ones of Prof. And also to the LIS community on losing an elder.
Ms Fatima Darries
Condolences to Prof, Family and LIS Community. He shaped us to be the professionals we are today. From being a student, colleague and professional. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Unknown
May your soul Rest in peace Prof. Manaka, You taught us a lot . Our duty was to learn and choose whether to follow or not. It was great meeting and knowing you. You were a great teacher. Thank you and Fare thee well.
Ms Mmakgoshi Reetseng
Condolences to the Manaka and LIS family. I am proud to say that I drank from Prof Manaka's well of knowledge. Farewell Prof and thank you for all the teachings. Class of '97
Ms Modiehi Rammutloa
Condolences to the family and entire LIS sector
Mr Samson Nobela
May the soul of this Library and Information Science giant rest in perfect peace. We are who we are today because of him. Tshedisegang ba ga Manaka and the LIS family, Prof ran a good race and fought a good fight
Mr Kholofelo Phalama
Beginning in the 1960s as my lecturer in School Librarianship at the University College of the North (now University of Limpopo), and later as an esteemed colleague, Prof Seth Manaka helped develop a powerful new understanding of access to information and knowledge as a human right, and how equal access can turn our nation’s political differences, however sharp, into a constructive force. His insightful lectures and addresses contributed immensely to deliberations on how a democratic constitution can help bring about fundamental change in social, economic, and political relations in the knowledge economy. His innovative argument moved gracefully between practical Information and Library Science and democratic principles. His teaching and leadership in Information and Library Science as a discipline, a profession, a field of study, vindicates his reputation as an engaged librarian. Together they represent a boost to Information and Library Science as a discipline and a profession. He suggested innovative ways for librarians and information social scientists to have a creative and effective role in our national life.
Always deep in our social memory, let his spirit and vision continue to inspire and guide us.
Prof Muxe Nkondo
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