GOOD Statement by Siyabulela Mamkeli,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
18 February 2025
Recent site visits to Cape Town Libraries highlight the blatant disparity of resources between the southern suburbs and the city’s informal settlements.
Whilst my fellow GOOD councillor, Roscoe Palm saw a well-stocked Tokai public library that had R15,000 allocated to it for gaming equipment. The Gugulethu Library has received very little funding since 2013.
The air conditioners are no longer functioning, creating a heated and uncomfortable environment. The lack of proper cooling for the server unit is of great concern and a potential fire hazard. The Khayelitsha Library fell victim to a server room fire in February 2024.
The TV set, also purchased in 2013 through Ward Allocation, is now outdated and needs replacement. A modern unit could enhance the library’s multimedia offerings, making it more appealing to students, youth, and other community members.
Despite these challenges, the library staff have maintained a clean and well-organized environment, which is commendable.
As GOOD we will assist with logging maintenance faults with the relevant municipal departments, explore partnerships with local businesses or organizations that might be willing to donate or sponsor multimedia equipment and propose a ward budget allocation in the next financial year.
Libraries have an essential role in creating safe spaces for the youth of our country. And the need for them in the gang-riddled Cape Flats is needed now more than ever.
The City of Cape Town has 100 libraries and one satellite library. According to the City’s website, libraries not only loan out books but provide access to electronic resources and community programmes and events.
It cannot be that libraries in privileged areas get unnecessary fund allocation, whilst previously disadvantaged communities are forgotten about.
Media Enquiries:
Siyabulela Mamkeli, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
Cell: 078 1591251
Email: siya.mamkeli@gmail.com
Samantha Jackson, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 083 5509875
Email: samantha@forgood.org.za