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Limpopo launches the first ever OPD

The country has only four Official Publication Depository (OPD) with Limpopo joining them to making it the only five. The launch of the first ever designated OPD was held at Polokwane City Library on the 19th May.

The four existing includes Constitutional Court, North West Provincial Library, RJR Masia and Adelaide Tambo in the Free State and Mpumalanga Provincial reference library.
The launch was in line with section 6 (2) and 3 of the Legal Deposit Act 54 of 1997 which aims at preserving national documentaries, and to provide access to government information to the public.

This legal depository publication is mandated by law and administered by the minister of Sports Arts and Culture. It allows the public to access South African gazettes by national and provincial departments, all legislations, law reports and proceedings as unfolded and recorded in parliament and legislatures.

Officially opening the OPD, Acting MEC of department of Sport, Arts and Culture Mavhungu Leruli-Ramakhanya said the opening is a win for academics, literature consumers and the public, as it is charged with the responsibility of ensuring collection containing country’s heritage.

“This is part of preserving, safeguarding, promoting and transformation of the South African archives in all libraries. The Office of The Premier is delegated to promote transparency , accountability and effective governance of all public institutions and their involvement in this launch speaks volume. Our government is more committed in ensuring its efforts in maximizing access to all by fulfilling the government obligation to inform the public without any fee.” said Leruli

The OPD is entitled to receiving a copy of each official publication in South Africa including audio visuals. The places of deposits excluding five OPDs includes the City Library Services in Bloemfontein, Library Parliament in Cape Town, State Library in Pretoria and National Film, Video and Sound archives also in Pretoria.

With the library being situated at the heart of Polokwane town closer to private and government institutions including higher learning institutions, members of the public are expected to effectively use it for research and knowledge.

By: Emmaculate Cindi

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