The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is petitioning the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) MEC, Matome Chiloane, to open the abandoned Driezek Library in Orange Farm.
The closure of this library is denying Orange Farm residents access to information, educational material, and a space for social interaction, weakening both personal development and community ties. Residents are frustrated because they must commute to nearby townships to access the library while their own is gathering dust.
The library construction began on 17 February 2014, with a total cost of over R13 million. On 24 May 2024, former SACR MEC Morakane Mosupyoe officially opened the facility. However, a year later, it remains inaccessible and of no benefit to the residents of Orange Farm. Meanwhile, money is being wasted on security and maintenance.
The DA has tabled questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) to the MEC for Arts and Culture, Matome Chiloane, to determine why this facility is closed to the public and inquire about the amount spent on security and maintenance.
A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would have ensured that Driezek Library was up and running immediately after its official opening. This proactive approach would have prevented unnecessary expenditures on security to avert theft, vandalism, and illegal occupation.
The DA will fight for the swift opening of this facility for learning and interaction. To support the DA’s cause, please sign the petition here:https://forms.gle/FrPE9CpENfQcrjnv7