Alkantrant Library still closed on Saturdays despite job posts and promises

Alkantrant Library remains closed on Saturdays, despite the City of Tshwane’s earlier commitment to reopen facilities after two library assistant positions were advertised in Job Forum.

The posts, which closed on June 11, have yet to be filled, and the library continues to keep its doors shut over weekends.

Residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged closures.

Genevieve Symonds said shutting libraries during weekends worsens the country’s literacy problem.

“Closing libraries is not a solution. Many people rely on libraries for quiet study space, especially kids.”

Symonds stated that some learners and students do not have a quiet study place on weekends, and depend on municipal libraries.

“Most people during the week are at work, and some at school, and they only get a chance to use the libraries on weekends,” she said.

Another resident, Patrice Lassare, said the closures are unfair.

He said some people do not have the privilege of buying their own books and depend on libraries.

“This is one of the shortcomings from the metro,” he added.

The metro has attributed the continued Saturday closures to staff shortages.

However, Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller disputes this, saying the matter is rooted in a labour dispute.

“The libraries are not closed because they are short-staffed. The libraries are closed because there’s a union dispute,” Muller said.

The metro had previously decided to keep libraries open on weekends following public backlash and a petition launched by Muller.
She has previously warned that there would be a ‘devastating impact’ if facilities where closed.

“This decision would have prevented children, students, and adults, many of whom rely on library services on Saturdays, from accessing this important public service,” she said at the time.

According to metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, there is no date as to when the libraries will open on weekends.

When asked why Alkantrant Library remains closed despite earlier consultations with regional management and personnel, Mashigo said consultations with staff and other departments are still ongoing.

“The metro is in the process of filling the advertised positions, but no timeline has been given as to when they will be filled.”

He further noted that libraries continue to operate as normal during the week from Monday to Friday.

On the question of a union dispute, Mashigo said consultations are underway “with a view to open one of the facilities.”

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