Provincial intervention sought as administrative challenges hinder library transfer

MALUTI-A-PHOFUNG – The long-delayed transfer of the Intabazwe Library to the provincial government will now be given priority attention.

Councillor Richard Khumalo of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-A-Phofung (MaP) said firm action must be taken to ensure that the transfer is finalised.

“We will write to the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Ntombizanele Beauty Sifuba, to request a detailed update and an intervention to address the administrative and labour-related challenges that are delaying the process,” Khumalo said.

Transfer Challenges Persist

MaP is encountering challenges in transferring the Intabazwe Library services to the provincial government, despite assurances made by ANC Ward 22 Councillor Bafana Hlubi several months ago.

Since 2019, the provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation has been discussing with municipal management the transfer of libraries under the municipality’s jurisdiction. However, these discussions have been hindered because the Local Labour Forum (LLF) has not been adequately briefed.

“We have learned through our spokesperson for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation in the Free State Provincial Legislature, Werner Pretorius MPL, that the last meeting between the parties yielded no positive outcome. The LLF leadership adjourned the meeting until clarity is provided on the deployment of its members following the takeover,” Khumalo explained.

MEC Sifuba revealed that the municipality’s executive management repeatedly failed to respond to meeting requests and did not have a plan in place for relocating library officials once the takeover is finalised.

Provincial Contingency Plans

The MEC stated that negotiations would be made with officials in nearby libraries (QwaQwa and Kestell) to relocate to Harrismith to ensure the library’s continued functioning, despite budget constraints delaying the takeover’s finalisation until the 2025/26 financial year.

“We will continue to advocate for the preservation of essential educational facilities and emphasise that their closure infringes upon residents’ fundamental right to access education and information,” said Khumalo.

The ongoing delays highlight broader challenges in inter-governmental coordination and the need for clear protocols in the transfer of municipal services to provincial jurisdiction.

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