John Tsebe

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John Tsebe
Alma mater
Occupation Librarian   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Position heldNational Librarian (2004–2014), president (2015–2019), IFLA member (2007–2011)  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

John Kgwale Tsebe is a South African librarian and information science leader who has held prominent national, regional, and international roles. [1] Tsebe is well known for his transformative contribution to library and information services, [2] and for leadership positions in African and global library associations. [3]

Contents

Tsebe was appointed as National Librarian of the Library of South Africa (March 2004 - February 2014) [4] and he played a significant role in the development of the South African Library and Information Services (LIS) sector and Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA). [5]

Syracuse University have recognized him among their notable alumni. [6]

Early Life and Education

John K. Tsebe earned his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of the North (now University of Limpopo) and obtained a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University, USA. [7] He also earned a Master in Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard University. [8]

Career

National Library of South Africa

John K. Tsebe served as National Librarian & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) from March 2004 until his retirement in February 2014. During his tenure, he was involved in repositioning the NLSA, working to enhance access to information and strengthen the institution's role as a centre of excellence. [3]

Association and Institutional Leadership

John K. Tsebe was a founding member of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) and served as President of the African Library & Information Associations & Institutions (AfLIA) for two terms. [9] . He was Vice Chair and then Chair of the Forum of University Librarians of South Africa (FULSA), which later evolved into the Committee of Higher Education Librarians of South Africa (CHELSA). He participated in drafting the Library and Information Services Transformation Charter for South Africa, submitted to the Department of Arts and Culture in February 2014. [10]

Honours and Recognition

In 2014, the South African government hosted a farewell function for Tsebe after his 40 years of service in the Library and Information sector. [11] He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Commonwealth University and the London Graduate School in recognition of his distinguished service. [8]

References

  1. ↑ 4th International Summit of the Book Conference. Bibliotheca Alexandrina. EGYPT. 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
  2. ↑ Tsebe, J; Drijfhout, D (2006). "Libraries without Walls: Linking Libraries in South Africa". Alexandria. 18 (2): 97–102.
  3. 1 2 "Bidding Farewell to the retiring National Librarian who had achieved so much". www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  4. ↑ "Bidding Farewell to the retiring National Librarian who had achieved so much". thediplomaticsociety.co.za. Retrieved 2025-12-26.
  5. ↑ "Public Librarians: Going beyond the call of duty" (PDF). cdn.ymaws.com. March 2014.
  6. ↑ "Notable Alumni". cusecommunity.syr.edu. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  7. ↑ Baloyi, Shadi (10 March 2004). "South Africa: First Black National Librarian Takes Office". Bua News. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
  8. 1 2 "Commonwealth University and London Graduate School bestows honourary doctorate on Mr. John Tsebe, immediate past president of AfLIA". African Library & Information Associations & Institutions. 2019-07-24. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  9. ↑ Libraries, N. W. U. (2017-07-20). "AfLIA President visits North-West University". NWU: Library and Information Service News. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
  10. ↑ HART, Genevieve and NASSIMBENI, Mary (2014) South Africa’s LIS Transformation Charter: Policies, Politics and Professionals. Paper presented at: IFLA WLIC 2014 - Lyon - Libraries, Citizens, Societies: Confluence for Knowledge in Session 200 - Library Theory and Research. In: IFLA WLIC 2014, 16-22 August 2014, Lyon, France.
  11. ↑ "National Library hosts farewell for National Librarian and CEO John Kgwale Tsebe, 18 Feb | South African Government". www.gov.za. Retrieved 2025-09-22.
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