We condemn the burning of public libraries during protests. The department is disheartened to learn of the burning of the Zwelihle Public Library in the Overstrand during service delivery protests.
While we understand the frustration levels that citizens might face, it is never justified to destroy a centre of knowledge and learning.
A community library offers a safe space for children to learn, for young people to gain access to job opportunities and for a community to access literature.
It is unfair that a community must suffer the loss of this kind of resource because of protest action.
The value of a library in a community is immeasurable, which is why the department invests financially in assisting municipalities to offer these facilities.
While youth in our communities are at risk of being lured into social ills, we need safe spaces where they can access alternative, positive opportunities.
When libraries are burnt, we risk letting young people slip through the cracks.
We urge community members to stop and think about the value of public property, and what it means to the children of their community.
Let us not jeopardise children’s futures by damaging property and taking away opportunities which could empower them.