libraries Archives

June 12, 2018

Break-ins at libraries result in theft of equipment to the value of R286 556

by Paul Willemburg MPL – DA Spokesperson for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation

The DA is deeply concerned about the 12 break-ins that have occurred at libraries across the province.

ICT equipment to the value of R286 556 was stolen while 6 computers and 5 flat screens were recovered amounting to R45 000. This disadvantages our youth, especially those living in townships, as many rely on library equipment to complete school assignments and to search for job opportunities.

The following libraries in Gauteng were broken into since 2014/2015 financial year to date:

MUNICIPALITY	LIBRARY	EQUIPMENT	AMOUNT
Emfuleni Municipality	Roshnee Boitumelo Residensia Sebokeng Evaton Tshepiso	6 computers 10 computers 12 computers 10 computers 5 computers 1 Camera	R21 000.00 R50 000.00 R42 000.00 R50 000.00 R17 500.00 R1 500.00
City of Ekurhuleni	Kempton Park Library	1 computer	R2 000.00
Merafong Municipality	Wedela Library	8 computers	R36 000.31
Mogale City Municipality	Desmont Tutu Krugersdorp Muldersdrift	All in one computer and 2 scanners 1 laptop 1 HP Desktop	R32 950.00 R8 556.00 R6 000.00
Lesedi Municipality	Heidelberg	8 Computers stolen 6 recovered 10 Flat screens stolen 5 recovered	R12 500.00
TOTAL			R286 556.00

It is unacceptable that these facilities are not provided with sufficient security to protect the resources meant to uplift and educate our communities, especially the youth and those who are seeking job opportunities.

The DA believes that residents have a responsibility to look after the libraries within their communities. They must work with the police and report any thefts which may occur at their libraries. Communities must refrain from purchasing stolen library equipment, as in so doing, so they are creating a market for these goods.

The DA is calling on the department to provide adequate security at all libraries, so that these valuable resources can be protected.

September 28, 2017

DA Gauteng proposes Motion on ICT in Libraries

The following speeches were delivered in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature today by DA Gauteng Spokesperson on Finance, Ashor Sarupen MPL and DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Kingsol Chabalala MPL, during a debate on ICT in libraries in Gauteng.

Ashor Sarupen MPL

“Gauteng can use ICT in libraries to promote local languages”

•   This motion calls on the Legislature to use this opportunity to give meaning to sections 30 and 31 of the constitution, using technology to promote local language use, while also modernizing ICT in libraries, and, in the process stimulating the local ICT industry;
•   While Microsoft does provide basic Windows functions in isiZulu, isiXhosa and Sesotho, it is rudimentary at best, and its grammar and spell checker is not sufficiently developed for serious academic and journalistic use – which is the lifeblood of how languages thrive;
•   Our citizens should see their language rights promoted in the digital world, and should be able to select their language of choice to interface on these devices when they make use of their local library; and
•   In Gauteng, our libraries, as we modernize and move to e-government, offer a prime opportunity to stimulate the local ICT industry and protect language rights by transitioning to local language-based, open-sourced platforms on the devices that our citizens use.

The full speech can be obtained here.

Kingsol Chabalala MPL

“Libraries open up the windows to opportunity”

•   The DA in Gauteng tables this motion as it seeks to encourage young people of all walks of life to access good, reliable and efficient internet services at local libraries across the province;
•   The power of mother tongue internet services will bring our people closer together and unite all those that have felt excluded and marginalised;
•   Libraries remain empty for years, construction delays and blame shift occurs, very little to no books are bought and many remain in boxes for many months whilst internet connectivity seems to be something of the ‘future’ yet we need to adapt to the digital age and an ever transforming society; and
•   Great software makes great computing which equals successful job hunting. It is a win-win on all sides and this house should seriously consider adopting this motion and get our libraries working.

The full speech can be obtained here.

May 3, 2017

DA congratulates the City of Joburg on extending library hours

The DA commends Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Herman Mashaba for announcing the extension of library hours in the city, during his State of the City Address (SOCA).

The new operating hours of the city’s libraries will enable thousands of the city’s residents including jobseekers and those on work study programmes to have access to information for an extended period of time.

The hours announced by Mayor Mashaba are Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am to 5 pm.

This is another milestone achievement announced by the DA-led City of Joburg since the extension of the clinics operating hours earlier this year.

The DA is responding to the needs of residents across the province and specifically where we govern.

We believe that access to information is key in developing future skilled youth.

Media enquiries:

Kingsol Chabalala MPL
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts, Culture and Heritage
060 558 8299

Charity Moyo
Media and Issues Specialist
074 787 3166

May 26, 2016

DA Gauteng Debates SRAC Budget for 2016/17

Speech by: Paul Willemburg MPL

“Department flooded with unfinished business”

In the previous budgets we were promised that six libraries would be constructed in Tshwane.
I look forward to the completion of the Archival Centre this year, especially as a huge amount of money is being spent on the overall project.
The outcome of a programme like “Learn to Swim” is questioned when most of previously disadvantaged areas don’t have swimming pools and if they do, they often are in a poor state.
The much lauded Mabaleng project remains a pipe dream and I look forward to its realisation.

The full speech can be obtained here.

Speech by: Kingsol Chabalala MPL

“Gauteng’s forgotten sporting codes”

This year I stand before this house pleading for more funding towards grass roots development of sporting codes once the pride of this province.
It is imperative that this department acts as a social net to take off the load carried by other departments such as social development, education and health.
It is no wonder that year on year our athletes need to beg for funding. Is it not an ideal worth striving towards, to offer our young people in this province with a variety of sporting codes?
If we are to uphold the title of “Gauteng the home of Champions” then I suggest we start identifying lost sporting codes, re-develop and support them and ensure we produce national and international sporting heroes – just like the national strategic goals suggest.

The full speech can be obtained here.

Media enquiries:

Paul Willemburg MPL

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts, Culture and Heritage

082 450 0815

Kingsol Chabalala MPL

DA Gauteng Spokesperson on Sport, Recreation, Arts, Culture and Heritage

060 558 8299

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