Silvano writes by email:
Can you kindly address the fact that the Brakpan Library is closed until further notice, as per the notice on the door?
I don’t understand why it had to be closed?
The manner in which they operated during level one was with such low risk of exposure, meaning, when visiting a library you would hand in the books you are returning at the entrance (not entering the library), give them a list of books you’d like to take out and collect in two days.
My 68-year-old mum loves reading. Now they have taken one of the very pleasures away from her.
Why can’t they operate the same way they have been operating as in level one? Is closing the library not overkill?
I am sure there are other avid readers who feel the same way.
Editor’s note: Comment was requested from the City of Ekurhuleni and the following response was received from spokesperson Zweli Dlamini on July 9:
“The president of South Africa announced on June 26 that adjusted alert level four will apply nationally from June 28,” he said.
Section 24 of the Gazette reads as follows:
Places and premises closed to the public
24. (1) Any place or premises normally open to the public where religious, cultural, entertainment, recreational or similar activities, which are prohibited in terms of these regulations, may take place, is closed.
(2) The following places or premises normally open to the pubic or where people may gather, are closed and include
(a) gyms and fitness centres
(b) flea markets
(c) fétes and bazaars
(d) night clubs
(e) casinos
(f) taverns and shebeens or similar establishments except for sales for off-site consumption of food and non-alcoholic beverages
(g) restaurants except for sales for off-site consumption of food and non-alcoholic beverages
(h) conferencing, exhibitions and entertainment facilities
(i) theatres and cinemas
(j) museums, libraries, archives and galleries, and (k) older persons’ residential facilities for visits.
“In terms of the above section, all facilities need to be closed for a period of two weeks ending July 11, whereafter the situation will be re-assessed,” said Dlamini.
“We are all waiting to hear this weekend if lockdown level four will be extended. However, all staff are working on a rotational basis.
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“Books can be renewed telephonically and we still do the drop-and-collect service. We will consider each case on merit regarding the fines, but do have measures in place to accommodate the users.
“The announcement was made on a Sunday evening and we received the Gazette the following Monday. We then informed all the library staff. This was communicated to the public through the City’s communication platforms.
“Patrons are encouraged to contact their local libraries to make arrangements for the drop-and-collect and get more information about joining the virtual library.”
On July 11, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the level four restrictions for another two weeks.
