SCECSAL recognises individuals and associations at the 2024 SCECSAL Awards Ceremony

Prof. Peter Gatiti, KLA President (Left) receiving
the award for KLA from Hon. Joseph Munsanje MP

SCECSAL has recognised individuals and associations for their contributions to both the field of library and information science (LIS) and the advancement of SCECSAL itself. The SCECSAL Cultural Evening on 24 April served as the backdrop for the SCECSAL Awards Ceremony at which 20 individuals and 4 SCECSAL member Associations were recognised with awards in form of plaques. 

This year's Awards ceremony was particularly special as it not only celebrated the remarkable contributions of individuals and member associations to library and information science but also commemorated half a century of SCECSAL's unwavering commitment to advancing the field across the region.

The SCECSAL Awards encompassed several categories, each designed to honour distinct facets of dedication, innovation, and leadership within the SCECSAL region.

SCECSAL Hosts Award

In acknowledgment of the pivotal role played by member associations in nurturing SCECSAL through hosting SCECSAL conferences, the SCECSAL Hosts Award recognized the Kenya Library Association (KLA), Malawi Library Association (MALA), Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) and the Tanzania Library Association (TLA) that have served as hosts for three SCECSAL conferences each up to 31 December 2023. Their commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration through these conferences has been exemplary.

SCECSAL Presidents Award

Dr Helen Kay Raseroka receiving her award from
Mr Charles Mambia

The SCECSAL Presidents Award, a symbol of visionary leadership and dedication, honoured individuals who have steered SCECSAL member associations during the pivotal juncture of hosting their first SCECSAL Conference. These leaders, through their foresight and dedication, have not only facilitated the organization of these conferences but have also contributed significantly to the growth and expansion of SCECSAL within the region. The recipients of the 2024 award were:

• Ezekiel Enock Kaungamno (Posthumous), Tanzania Library Association (1974).
• Dr Hudwell Mwacalimba, Zambia Library Association (now LIAZ) (1976).
• Jafred Shalimba Musisi (Posthumous), Kenya Library Association (1978).
• ‘Mampaila Martha Lebotsa (Posthumous), Lesotho Library Association (1980)
• Prof. Joseph J. Uta, Malawi Library Association (1982)
• Prof. Stanislas Matienga Made (Posthumous), Zimbabwe Library Association (1984).
• Dr Helen Kay Raseroka, Botswana Library Association (1986).  
• Ben J. K. Kingsley (Posthumous), Swaziland Library Association (now ESWALA) (1988).  
• Phenny Birungi, Uganda Library Association (now ULIA) (1990).
• Prof. Ellen Ndeshi Namhila, Namibia Information Workers Association (now NIWAN) (2002)
• Ellen R. Tise, Library and Information Association of South Africa (2002).

SCECSAL Recognition Award

Velenasi Mwale Munsanje receiving her award from
Hon. Joseph Munsanje, MP

The SCECSAL Recognition Award paid tribute to the unsung heroes and heroines whose behind-the-
scenes efforts have been instrumental in shaping the SCECSAL landscape. These individuals, through their tireless contributions, have enriched SCECSAL's ethos of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the organization. In this category, SCECSAL recognised the following four individuals:

• Prof. Stephen M. Mutula - in recognition of his contribution to SCECSAL and knowledge generation in library, information and knowledge field focusing on application of ICTs, and contribution to SCECSAL development.
• Dr Helen Kay Raseroka - In recognition of her leadership in the library and information services field and contribution to SCECSAL development
• Dr John K. Tsebe - In recognition of his leadership in the library and information services field and contribution to SCECSAL development
• Prof. Kingo Mchombu - In recognition of his leadership in LIS, contribution to SCECSAL and knowledge generation in LIS focusing on the role of libraries, information and knowledge in development, and contribution to SCECSAL development

SCECSAL Excellence Award

Prof. Maria Musoke receiving her award from 
Hon. Joseph Munsanje, MP

The pinnacle of recognition, the SCECSAL Excellence Award, celebrated individuals whose extraordinary contributions have propelled SCECSAL to greater heights. Their dedication, innovation, and commitment to advancing library and information science in their countries and across Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa have not only enriched the profession but have also inspired countless others within the SCECSAL region. The 2024 Excellence Award went to:

• Velenasi Mwale Munsanje - in recognition of her leadership in the library and information services field and contribution to strengthening the Library and Information Association of Zambia
• Prof. Maria G. N. Musoke - in recognition of her contribution to knowledge generation focusing on health information and services in the SCECSAL region.

Additionally, the SCECSAL Secretariat also seized the opportunity to hand over the plaques to the 2020 Excellence Award recipients, who due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the control measures that were put in place, could not receive the plaques. These were:

• Prof. Dennis N. Ocholla - in recognition of his contribution to knowledge generation in library, information, and knowledge management field, capacity development of LIS professionals in the SCECSAL region, and contribution to SCECSAL development.
• Jacinta Were - in recognition of her leadership in the library and information services field, mentoring and coaching young LIS professionals, and contribution to SCECSAL development.
• Nomsa Nqobile Victoria Mkhwanazi [Posthumous] - in recognition of her contribution to SCECSAL.

As the evening unfolded, each award served as a reminder of SCECSAL's rich legacy and its ongoing journey of growth and innovation. The recipients, representing a diverse array of academic and professionals backgrounds, stood as shining examples to the upcoming library and information professionals in the region.