Saturday library access in jeopardy amid labour dispute
A labour dispute between the metro and Imatu may lead to Saturday closures of libraries in Region 3 East namely Moot, Waverley, Danville and Brooklyn. While the City works on a shift system to ensure fairness and staffing, residents express concern over losing vital weekend services, especially for students and working families.
A growing labour dispute between the metro and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) may soon impact Saturday access to public libraries in Region 3 East, prompting concern among residents in Moot and Pretoria East.
According to community members, access to public libraries, especially over weekends, is essential for learners, students, and working residents.
However, residents say ongoing negotiations and demands by Imatu may limit these services in the near future.
In a letter dated 15 April addressed to Lourraine Mokubyane, director of Community Services in Region 3, Imatu requested that all libraries in Region 3 East close on Saturdays from 1 May 2025, citing fairness and equity.
The letter, signed by shop steward Wynand Potgieter, argues that Region 3 West libraries are afforded the opportunity to closed on Saturdays, and therefore Region 3 East libraries, should follow suit.
The rationale is that these two regions are managed by the same manager and should treat the staff the same .
Libraries in Region 3 East that are operational on Saturdays are Brooklyn, Moot, Mayville, and Waverley and staff are compensated with time off during the week.
In contrast, libraries in Region 3 West such as Danville, Eskia Mphahlele, Hercules, Saulsville, and Atteridgeville, do not offer Saturday services.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said, “The metro has not received an official request from Imatu regarding the closures”.
Rekord has seen a copy of the Imatu letter.
“The city did not decide to open some libraries on Saturdays and close others,” Mashigo said. “This situation is a result of ongoing operational hours negotiations between the city and organised labour.”
He said the metro is working on implementing a shift system to balance workloads for all library staff to ensure consistent Saturday operations.
“This shift system is currently on the agenda of the Local Labour Forum,” Mashigo added. “Consultations with labour will continue as all departments meet the criteria for implementation.”
While concerns about reduced weekend services are mounting, the metro has confirmed that there is no intention to close any libraries permanently.
“All libraries are operational from Monday to Friday unless affected by maintenance or staffing issues,” Mashigo said.
The metro maintains that its long-term vision is to open all libraries on Saturdays, based on community demand and staffing capacity.
The Library and Information Services division is working to appoint nine contract librarians and seven assistants to ease staff shortages. The appointments are expected to be finalised by July 1.
Though libraries are a provincial responsibility, the metro according to Mashigo funds 85% of their operational budget, and the city has more than 50.
To bridge this gap, the MMC for Community and Social Development Services Palesa Modise has written to MEC Matome Chiloane to request an increase in provincial grant funding.
Additional efforts to sustain library services include the expansion of digital platforms.
The metro has also reactivated the OverDrive e-lending service to enable members to access e-books and audiobooks remotely on the Libby app or at https://cityoftshwane.overdrive.com.
Mashigo acknowledged the essential role that libraries play, especially on weekends, and the importance of maintaining fair staffing practices.
“The shift system is our plan to ensure equitable workload distribution, while also meeting the needs of our communities,” he said.
For residents relying on weekend library services, particularly students and job seekers, the metro said it is committed to providing access despite current labour disputes and budget limitations.
Through a mix of staff appointments, digital innovation, and ongoing engagement with provincial authorities, efforts are being made to keep libraries open, accessible, and sustainable for all.
Libraries open on Saturdays:
Alkantrant
Glenstantia
Region 7
Bronkhorstspruit
Zithobeni
Sokhulumi
Ekangala B
Ekangala F.
All of these 5 are opening on Saturday
Rethabiseng is only closed on Saturdays for maintenance.
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