R69-million for KZN library infrastructure upgrades

KZN MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, says the need to utilise libraries as nodes of development and social emancipation has been identified.

The department has set aside R69-million for the 2018/19 financial year to invest in library infrastructure.

‘We want to ensure that our history is adequately reflected in all our libraries,’ Sithole-Moloi said.

Plans to increase access to library services include, among others, the construction of a library in Dukuduku in the Mtubatuba Municipality.

‘The planning and design of libraries in KwaMdakane in the Dannhauser Municipality and Dukuduku have commenced and construction is expected to begin before the end of the 2018/19 financial year,’ she said.

The construction of the Ingwavuma library in Jozini and the Bilanyoni library in the eDumbe Municipality is also expected to be completed by the end of the financial year.

The department has allocated R3-million for the refurbishment and renovations of 11 libraries.

Sithole-Moloi said they also continue to promote a culture of reading by keeping up with current trends.

‘New library resources such as E-books, audio-visual materials, magazines, newspapers, toys and gaming facilities valued at R35-million will be purchased for both new and existing libraries in 2018/19.