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The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) continues to deny youth and children access to information and a safe place to search for job opportunities by failing to build libraries across the province.

According to the department’s 2022/23 annual report, zero libraries were constructed against the target of six. This is due to late approval of reports and challenges in creating purchase orders.

The department also failed to meet its target of people accessing the Gauteng virtual library due to a failure to renew the subscriptions.

This is unacceptable and indicates a lack of planning and consequence management by the department.

Furthermore, the department failed to meet its target of developing 15 outdoor gyms and 20 sports and recreation facilities (combi courts).

This shows that this government cares little about the wellbeing and future of the youth and children, particularly in the township. The youth and children are forced to commute or travel long distances to access libraries, sporting facilities, and outdoor gyms at the nearby suburbs.

The DA demands the Gauteng MEC for SACR, Morakane Mosupyoe, to prioritise the department’s core mandate and deliver the libraries and sporting facilities. This department should stop wasting money on social events instead of ensuring access to resources to youth and children to advance their future.

Issued by Wildri Peach MPL - DA Spokesperson for the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (SACR)