Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English by Sean Trautmann and Afrikaans by Madra de Bruin
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in JB Marks Local Municipality is alarmed by the continued deterioration of municipal facilities, particularly the Municipal Library, following an oversight visit conducted on Monday, 9 February 2026.
Despite prior Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspections by the Department of Employment and Labour, and formal contravention notices issued to the municipality, little to no meaningful remedial action has been taken. What was observed raises serious safety, compliance, and governance concerns that place both staff and the public at risk.
Fire safety remains dangerously inadequate. Fire extinguishers appear not to have been serviced or replaced for years, with some estimated to be over a decade old (see photos here, here, and here). There are no clearly displayed evacuation plans, leaving employees and visitors without guidance in the event of an emergency (see photo here).
Electrical hazards are equally worrying. The main distribution board carries warning labels indicating that switches spark when used, pointing to unresolved faults that pose fire and electrocution risks (see photos here and here). Emergency exits are also poorly illuminated, which would severely compromise safe evacuation during a power outage or smoke-filled conditions.
Structural neglect continues to worsen. The library roof is leaking extensively, damaging books and public resources. Moisture stains on ceilings and walls show that this is long-term neglect rather than an isolated incident, creating unhealthy conditions for staff and visitors alike (see photos here, here, here, and here).
Climate control systems have largely collapsed, with reportedly only one air-conditioning unit still operational. This affects working conditions, public comfort, and the preservation of library materials that require stable environments.
Most concerning is the failure of the fire detection and suppression systems. These systems have reportedly not been serviced since 2016 and are currently showing faults (see photo here). Internal fire hoses appear to have no water supply, rendering them useless during an emergency (see photo here). First-aid kits were also found to contain no supplies, leaving the facility unprepared for medical incidents (see photo here).
Further concern arises from the lack of regulatory follow-through. The Department of Employment and Labour was contacted regarding the continued contraventions, yet no substantive response has been received despite the seriousness of the risks.
It is also alleged that the day after the oversight visit, JB Marks Fire officials removed fire extinguishers from visible areas and placed them in a corner of the building. If true, this raises serious questions about transparency and whether the municipality is attempting to conceal hazards rather than correct them.
These findings point to systemic negligence in the ANC-led JB Marks Municipality. Public facilities such as libraries must be safe, functional spaces that promote education and development, not hazards waiting for tragedy.
The DA calls on the municipality to urgently:
- Service and replace all fire safety equipment;
- Repair electrical faults and improve emergency lighting;
- Fix roof leaks and structural damage;
- Restore fire detection, hose, and medical systems; and
- Ensure full compliance with OHS regulations.
Preventative maintenance and public safety are not optional extras, they are legal and moral obligations. The DA will continue to exercise strict oversight and pursue accountability until JB Marks’ facilities are restored to safe, dignified, and compliant standards for the community.