In Conversation With Kingsol Chabalala ( MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR))
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is urging the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) to open the long-abandoned Driezek Library in Orange Farm. The party has submitted a petition to SACR MEC Matome Chiloane, highlighting the ongoing neglect of a critical community resource.
Despite being officially opened on 24 May 2024 by former MEC Morakane Mosupyoe, the library remains closed to the public nearly a year later. Construction of the facility began on 17 February 2014, with the project costing taxpayers over R13 million. Since then, the unused library has stood idle, while public funds continue to be spent on maintenance and security.
Local residents have voiced frustration over the situation. Without access to the Driezek Library, many are forced to travel to other townships to find a library, depriving them of convenient access to educational materials, internet services, and safe spaces for learning and social interaction.
The DA argues that this delay not only undermines personal and community development but also reflects poor oversight and accountability. The party has tabled formal questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), calling on MEC Chiloane to explain the reasons behind the library's continued closure and to disclose the amount of money spent on keeping the facility secure.
According to the DA, a government under its leadership would have ensured the library was operational immediately after its ribbon-cutting, thereby preventing wasteful expenditure and minimizing risks such as theft, vandalism, or illegal occupation.
The community continues to await action that will bring this much-needed public facility to life.
Despite being officially opened on 24 May 2024 by former MEC Morakane Mosupyoe, the library remains closed to the public nearly a year later. Construction of the facility began on 17 February 2014, with the project costing taxpayers over R13 million. Since then, the unused library has stood idle, while public funds continue to be spent on maintenance and security.
Local residents have voiced frustration over the situation. Without access to the Driezek Library, many are forced to travel to other townships to find a library, depriving them of convenient access to educational materials, internet services, and safe spaces for learning and social interaction.
The DA argues that this delay not only undermines personal and community development but also reflects poor oversight and accountability. The party has tabled formal questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), calling on MEC Chiloane to explain the reasons behind the library's continued closure and to disclose the amount of money spent on keeping the facility secure.
According to the DA, a government under its leadership would have ensured the library was operational immediately after its ribbon-cutting, thereby preventing wasteful expenditure and minimizing risks such as theft, vandalism, or illegal occupation.
The community continues to await action that will bring this much-needed public facility to life.