The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) MEC, Faith Mazibuko has yet again failed the residents of Venterpost in Randfontein as their library is still closed and awaiting renovations.
This despite MEC Mazibuko declaring that the Venterpost Library will be reopened in October 2017, according to the written replies to the DA’s questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
The residents are frustrated and tired of the MEC’s empty promises. MEC Mazibuko failed the 2017 matriculants of this area as they were desperate to utilise this facility for research and revision in preparation for their final year matric examinations.
This is the only library in Venterpost, with the next closest library being Westonaria Public Library which is 10 km away and not on a taxi route. We will not accept her department’s incompetency and the impact this will have this year’s matric class.
This library was officially opened on 28 October 2014 and then closed on 13 March 2017 for renovations; since then the MEC has been making empty promises on when it will be re-opened.
This much-needed facility was closed due to shoddy workmanship; the roof, floors and the books shelves were not built properly.
This department lacks good leadership and a political will to monitor and manage its projects. MEC Mazibuko is for all intents and purposes absent from her duties as the political head of department only to pop up when she’s given a national platform in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
It is high time that she be reminded that the clock is ticking and her term of office is coming to an end. Come 2019 the DA will be leading Gauteng and we will ensure that all libraries are equipped with necessary resources and are delivered to the communities timeously.
The DA will hold MEC Mazibuko accountable to ensure that the Venterspost Library is properly fixed and re-opened as a matter of urgency.