Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Freddy Sonakile
The North West Provincial Public Accounts Committee (PPAC) reviewed the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR)’s 2023/24 audit report on 19 November 2024, which revealed a shocking R20 million underspending on the Community Library Conditional Grant. This failure directly blocked the construction of libraries in Matlosana, Coverdale, Bodibe, and Ganyesa.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned that this underspending—caused by the provincial Department of Public Works and Roads’ inability to complete the planning phase— that has robbed these communities of vital information hubs. Libraries are more than just buildings; they are lifelines to knowledge, safe spaces for children, and gateways to opportunity
The ACSR department informed the Committee of an R11 million rollover, but this piecemeal attempt at damage control does little to address the persisting failures of provincial Public Works and Roads. It’s time to hold this department, and its head of department (HOD), Moss Kgantsi, accountable for repeated delays that derail critical infrastructure projects in the province.
This is not just about numbers on a balance sheet; it is about children being denied access to books, students denied a place to study, and communities stripped of opportunities to learn and grow.
While the PPAC’s efforts to resolve the department’s and client departments’ failures are noted, the situation demands urgent and decisive action. The department must also present an effective strategy for capacity development for its infrastructure units in line with its mandate. Client departments like ACSR, Education, and Community Safety must also tighten areas around contract management.
The DA will not stand by while communities are denied the infrastructure they desperately need. A solution must be found, and those responsible for these failures must face real consequences.