DEAR Editor,-
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has urgently called for answers from KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Arts and Culture MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi following the revelation that a staggering 125 of the province’s 226 libraries (includes so-called modular libraries) have been without internet access since April.
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The dire situation was confirmed by DoAC Head of Department Ntokozo Chonco during a portfolio committee meeting held last month. The HOD has meanwhile blamed Telkom for the lack of service.
The DA is stunned by this disclosure, which affects more than half of the libraries in the entire province. It is difficult to comprehend why the MEC and her department have allowed this untenable situation to drag on for almost six months.
It also comes as KZN’s matric pupils gear up to write their final exams. While we acknowledge that many pupils, particularly those living in rural parts of the province, still have no access whatsoever to libraries, those that do should have access to the internet as a vital study tool.
This is especially relevant in terms of pupils who do not have internet access at home and where there is limited access at school.
The DA expects answers from the MEC. We have submitted a written parliamentary question aimed at establishing why an alternative service provider has not been brought in and to ask when internet services will be restored at those libraries which are affected.
The DA expects a swift response. It is unacceptable that the future of so many pupils is being placed at risk simply due to a lack of competence and service delivery on the part of KZN’s ANC-led government.
GEORGE MARI MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Arts and Culture
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