The DLS Special Collections unit has had a facelift!

In December 2020, Mr Piet Makitla, the DLS Facilities Manager, initiated a refurbishment project at Special Collections. The goal of the project was to unify and improve the aesthetics of the space. The first phase of the project focused on the office area and the Tukkiana section. These areas were previously carpeted with an old, dark maroon carpet, and the shelving had obvious wear and tear. The overall feeling in the area was rather dark and stuffy, and the shelving area appeared cramped. To improve the aesthetics, the carpet was removed, and light-toned laminated flooring was installed. The shelves were also resprayed and repaired. The flooring and repair of the shelves were completed in December 2020.

The section was repainted in January 2021, which significantly improved the overall appearance. In 2021, the documents collections area (adjacent to the Tukkiana section) and a third of the Reading Room area were re-floored with the same laminated flooring, removing the carpet which was still present in these areas. The shelves in the documents' collections area were also resprayed and repaired.

As a final finish to the refurbishment, wood cladding was added to the ends of the Tukkiana, documents collections, and Africana collection shelves. This matches the look of the floor and brightens up the entire section.

The Special Collections Unit has a much more open and lighter feel to it because of the refurbishment and some additional space was also created thanks to the placement of the shelves. It is hoped that further improvements with regards to the counter, shelves, and cupboards in the office area can be undertaken soon. The Special Collections team is grateful to Mr Makitla for his initiative and commitment to this project.

Tukkiana area

Office area 

Documents collection area