Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Setswana by Cllr Aubrey Radebe.
The DA in the Ratlou Local Municipality conducted an oversight inspection of the Madibogo library yesterday and found that the library is still closed despite the completion of construction in 2011, 13 years ago, at a cost of R2 million.
The library does not have electricity, neither has staff been appointed, and a few water leaks need repair.
We have written to the MEC of Arts, Culture and Recreation, Keneetswe Mosenogi, to provide a detailed report on the department’s plans to open the library to the public. We also want to know what the reasons for the 13-year delay are and by which date the facility would be fully operational.
The library is situated in close vicinity of about 13 schools and is fully furnished and stocked with educational and fictional books for the community to use. It is a concern that many of the educational books might now already be out of date.
This library project could be considered a fruitless expenditure.
The building is now starting to show evidence of neglect. The roof is rusting away, causing water damage to the interior and paint is peeling off the walls. The books, furniture and other equipment have been left to gather dust. See images here, here, and here.
Libraries play an important role in communities, it allows residents to access information to empower themselves, advance their education, and assist learners with research for assignments and schoolwork. Libraries are also important centres where individuals could access internet services, putting them in touch with the growing knowledge economy, where they can be exposed to economic opportunities, sell their goods and service, or at the very least, search and apply for jobs.
Building a library and keeping it closed for 13 years is evidence that the ANC in government has no interest to uplift, upskill and empower rural communities. In next year’s election, communities will have a chance to vote for a DA-led government in North West that will deliver quality services, such as fully functional and fully equipped libraries.