The City of Johannesburg is making significant strides in preserving its cultural heritage and advancing its public services with two major restoration projects that will benefit both the city’s art lovers and its readers. Mayor Dada Morero has committed R50 million to the restoration of the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) archives, in addition to a further R60 million investment in the renovation of the City Library, which is set to partially reopen next month.
The Johannesburg Art Gallery, which is over 100 years old, is the oldest museum of its kind in the city. It boasts an impressive collection of over 10,000 artworks, with a focus on Southern African cultural history, alongside a growing contemporary collection. However, the gallery has faced several challenges in recent years, including deteriorating conditions and funding shortages. The mayor’s commitment to restoring the archives underscores the city’s dedication to preserving this important cultural landmark.
Mayor Morero made the announcement following a media briefing during his site visit to the City Library, which has also undergone significant renovations. The library, one of the largest public libraries in Africa, has been closed for a number of years due to delays and various challenges. The restoration of the library will occur in two phases, with the first phase set to begin next month. The initial reopening will focus on the children’s section, while the second phase, slated for completion by June 2025, will open the adult section of the library. By the end of June, the city expects to unveil a fully functional library space.
Morero highlighted that nearly R60 million has already been spent on the restoration efforts, which include ensuring the library meets modern standards for accessibility and safety. “Many of the buildings constructed in the 40s, 50s, and 60s require upgrades to comply with current building codes,” he explained. The renovation also includes installing tanks to address heritage handling concerns, ensuring the preservation of historical materials.
The library will not only serve as a space for books and reading but will also embrace a more modern, digital approach to learning. The city is transforming its libraries into multi-purpose spaces, integrating food outlets and various other resources to make them more attractive and accessible to the community. Mayor Morero and Nobuntu Mpendulo, the Director of Library and Information Services (LIS), emphasized the importance of catering to both younger and older generations. “Some people still love to read printed books, while a younger generation wants to use their phones as virtual libraries,” Mpendulo said.
In response, the city is equipping the libraries with state-of-the-art digital technology, creating hybrid spaces for learning that include coding and other digital skills. The library’s modernization is part of a broader shift towards digital spaces of education and engagement. To achieve this vision, the City of Johannesburg has partnered with major tech companies like Google and Microsoft, ensuring that its libraries are not just about physical books, but are also hubs for digital literacy and connection.
Furthermore, the city is collaborating with institutions of higher learning to bridge the gap in illiteracy and foster a more inclusive learning environment. With these initiatives, Johannesburg is working towards creating spaces where culture, history, and modern technology intersect to serve the diverse needs of its residents.
