The Johannesburg Crisis Alliance (JCA) and JoburgCAN are calling for an urgent investigation and immediate intervention following the collapse of the roof at Parkhurst Library.
The incident raises serious questions about the maintenance and safety of Johannesburg’s public facilities, including whether warning signs were missed and whether other libraries may face similar risks.
JCA coordinator Yunus Chamda said the collapse was particularly concerning given the alliance’s continued campaign for Johannesburg’s public libraries to be fully functional and for Saturday opening hours to be restored.
“Libraries are essential services, particularly for learners, students and residents who depend on them for study facilities, books and internet access,” Chamda said.
“It is therefore deeply shocking that, while the JCA is campaigning for greater access to libraries, the roof of the Parkhurst Library has collapsed and it has been closed until further notice. Residents should not have to demand that libraries be open while also worrying whether the buildings are safe to enter.”
Chamda said there was little value in reopening libraries and extending their operating hours if the City failed to maintain the buildings themselves.
“Access and maintenance must go hand in hand.”
Meanwhile, the Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association (PRABOA) has secured permission to remove books and equipment still inside the building amid concerns that delays could result in valuable library assets being damaged or destroyed.
JoburgCAN executive manager Julia Fish said PRABOA had proactively activated its network of volunteers and moved swiftly to protect the library’s contents.
“Both PRABOA and city officials have shown us that in times of emergency co-governance of community assets is possible. This is an extremely positive development that has come out of a disturbing incident.”
Fish said it was understood that the ceiling had collapsed approximately two days before the roof itself failed, raising further questions about whether signs of deterioration were already evident and whether earlier intervention could have prevented further damage.
“An investigation is necessary and prompt repairs that are both to a high standard, but also not inflated, to make sure that money being spent within the City of Johannesburg is reasonable, responsible, and rapid,” Fish said.
She said libraries were among the few free public spaces available to residents and provided important spaces for children to read, study and participate in community activities.
The JCA and JoburgCAN are calling on the City to urgently establish what caused the collapse, whether maintenance concerns had previously been reported, and whether other municipal libraries require immediate structural assessments.
The organisations said Johannesburg’s libraries must not only be accessible and properly staffed, but also safe, well maintained and fit for public use.