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Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture wishes to put it on record that the statement that there'll be no books for libraries this year is incorrect and misleading, books will be supplied to libraries this year (2001). However one needs to confirm that the Department's (SRAC) budget was cut by about 3.2% in line with the adjustment of equitable budget to departments along the ratio 83-17%, as announced by the Premier at the opening of the legislature. The 83% is to be shared between SHE (Social Services, Health and Education) departments, and then 17% is to be shared by other Departments. Clearly this is a drastic shift from the previous budgeting ratio of 76-24 %, hence all other departments except the SHE departments have to manage with budget cut over and above their MTEF (Medium Term Expenditure Framework) submissions. Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is no exception to this cut.

More than half a million rands has been put aside for books in the next financial year. It is also untrue and malicious to state that individual librarians were victimised for speaking out on this issue. The statement saying " people should be happy about this R600 0000 budget..." is exaggerated, unacceptable and misleading.

The Premier's budget shift focuses mainly on social spending ( SHE departments), Further more I would like to state it categorically that MECs' salaries, VIP protection etc. are determined Nationally . The reality of the budget cut for the Library Service is that the operational budget was cut by 52% when compared to their previous year's (2000/2001) budget. It is correct that the Library Services will get about R643,303 for purchasing of books for next year. However the current budget allows for the continuation of the subscription to newspapers and magazines and other operational costs.

The Department holds in high esteem the importance of reading and means for eradication of high rate of illiteracy in the country, and has no intention whatsoever to deny the people of Mpumalanga access to information as implied by the misleading report which appeared in the Sunday World dated 3 June 2001.

The effect of the budget cut will only be felt next year since no selections or requisitions for new books will be done this year for 2002. Discussions are underway with relevant offices to solicit more funds to be able to fund most of our departmental programmes.

Contact: Sammy Mpatlanyane at 013 752 7951

Issued by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mpumalanga

5 June 2001