Librarian Frank Mmadi started working at the local library from 1 September 2011 and to date deals with frustrating conditions due to the lack of infrastructure.
According to Mmadi, there is a shortage of books and computers – the computers being used also does not have Internet access. Mmadi added the biggest challenge is having community members from the outskirts of town visit the library only to find outdated books.
In an interview with Herald ‘Mmadi stated “This is an ongoing problem since I started working here.
“We don’t get enough money to buy books and we don’t have an annual budget. If we have received money this year the next financial year we won’t have a budget. I will be happy if there is a network connection and more reliable funding to keep our stock up to date. My job is to select and procure, insure daily operations must up to standard.”
Mmadi added “We log calls to the I.T department head office at the West Rand Municipality, but our server is down which could be a reason why they do not attend to our complaint.”
Popopo Mohlala, another librarian, who was transferred to the Randgate library from Mohlakeng after their branch was set alight during a protest led by the EFF a few months ago said “The worst and critical thing is an increase in budget, which have not received, and it is not convenient.”
Dimpho Futho (a student) told Herald “The library needs new books. We cannot find information we need and there is no internet connection and it is essential in doing our assignments and research.”
