Sport, arts and culture department spends R1.6bn on improving public libraries
McKenzie says more than R627 million was spent on mass participation and sport development grants.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa allocated nearly R1.65 billion to enhance public libraries throughout the nation. This funding targeted the improvement of infrastructure, facilities, and services specifically within disadvantaged urban and rural communities. As part of the broader R2.27 billion in grant spending for the 2025-26 financial year, the remaining funds, exceeding R627 million, were designated for mass participation and sports development grants.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, disclosed these details in a parliamentary response. While the exact number of operational public libraries in the country remains unknown, it was noted that this figure had decreased to 1,834 in 2021. Overall, over R4 billion was spent on various grants, subsidies, and contracts during the same financial year, reaching a total of R4,710,902,769.52.
In terms of library services, the Western Cape province received the largest share, exceeding R202 million, followed by other provinces with amounts ranging from over R160 million to R202 million. The grant's primary objective was to revitalize library infrastructure and services, particularly in previously disadvantaged areas, through a provincial-level recapitalization initiative that supports local government and national initiatives. The North West province received the smallest share, more than R160 million.
For sports development, more than R627 million was distributed, with Gauteng receiving the highest allocation, exceeding R120 million. The Northern Cape received the smallest portion, more than R34 million. These funds aimed to promote greater participation in sports and physical activities, as well as enhance the capacity of organizations and communities to offer such opportunities.
The Mzansi Golden Economy Projects were the largest recipient, with over R367 million in funding. Total spending on performing arts and heritage institutions amounted to slightly more than R1 billion, with Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria receiving the highest share, over R112 million, and Robben Island the second-highest at over R98 million.
Additionally, the department disbursed over R94 million on 18 contracts, including security services for four Department of Sport, Arts and Culture sites, the establishment of the South African Cultural Observatory, and mobile communication services provided by Vodacom.
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