Cultural Affairs and Sport

The Department has developed a long-term strategy to ensure that public libraries in the Western Cape remain relevant, accessible and financially sustainable in an increasingly digital environment. This strategy is guided by the Western Cape Public Library Service Delivery Model, underpinned by the Western Cape Public Library Services Act, 2025 (Act 1 of 2025) and related assignment proclamations, which strengthen governance and cooperative service delivery across provincial and municipal spheres.

Its key objectives are to:

• Support lifelong learning, reading promotion and access to information;
• Position libraries as community and information hubs;
• Expand inclusive digital and physical access to library services;
• Improve access for persons with disabilities;
• Provide safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces for all communities;
• Strengthen governance and partnerships; and
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability through efficient resource use and funding diversification.

The Department has also developed a long-term strategy to ensure that museums in the Western Cape remain relevant, accessible and financially sustainable. This strategy is guided by the Museum Services Roadmap 2024–2029, which is aligned to the Department’s Strategic Plan and seeks to reposition museums as inclusive, community-centred heritage institutions that contribute to education, social cohesion, tourism and economic development.

Its key objectives are to:

• Enhance and modernise visitor experiences at museums;
• Decolonise and transform the museum landscape through inclusive and community-centred heritage narratives;
• Expand public access to museum services through digital technologies and innovative programming;
• Activate and utilise museum collections through research, exhibitions and public programmes;
• Improve communication and awareness of the social impact of museums;
• Strengthen partnerships and collaborative networks to increase capacity and resources;
• Develop the skills and capacity of museum personnel and governing bodies; and
• Improve financial sustainability through fundraising, income generation and more effective use of resources.

 (a) Relevance:

The Service Delivery Model repositions libraries as dynamic community anchors through its pillars of access to information, reading, and community and information hubs. Libraries support lifelong learning, promote a culture of reading, and provide access to credible information, while functioning as multipurpose spaces that enable education, skills development and social cohesion.

The Museum Services Roadmap repositions museums as dynamic spaces for learning, dialogue and community engagement. Through the enhancement of visitor experiences, the activation of collections, oral history projects, community documentation initiatives and the development of new exhibitions, museums are becoming more responsive to contemporary audiences. The strategy also prioritises the decolonisation of museum content by incorporating local perspectives, previously marginalised histories, community co-curation and multilingual interpretation, thereby ensuring that museums remain relevant and reflective of the diverse heritage of the Western Cape.

(b) Accessibility:

Accessibility to library services is advanced through the pillars of digital services, safe spaces, and inclusive access to information. The Department continues to expand broadband connectivity, ICT infrastructure and e-resources, while ensuring that libraries are safe, welcoming environments for all. Importantly, the rollout of 41 mini libraries for the blind enhances equitable access for visually impaired and blind residents, alongside broader efforts to ensure inclusive and barrier-free services.

Accessibility to museum services is being advanced through both physical and digital initiatives. The Department is developing digital exhibitions, online museum platforms and educational resources to extend the reach of museum services beyond traditional museum buildings. Museums are also expanding educational and public programmes, strengthening partnerships with schools and communities, and introducing new approaches to visitor engagement. These initiatives are intended to make museum services more accessible to broader and more diverse audiences, including youth, rural communities and those who may not be able to visit museums in person.

(c) Financial sustainability:

In line with the Model’s focus on governance, partnerships and funding diversification, the Department is prioritising the optimal use of resources through the Conditional Grant for Community Libraries and the Municipal Replacement Fund, while strengthening municipal partnerships and improving operational efficiency. The Model also promotes collaborative funding approaches and the responsible use of public resources to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Department is strengthening the sustainability of museums through the Managed Network Model, which promotes partnerships with municipalities, educational institutions, community organisations, tourism stakeholders and the private sector. The Museum Services Roadmap further prioritises fundraising, income generation, the review of museum funding models, and the development of supportive networks to leverage additional resources and expertise. These measures aim to improve operational efficiency, diversify funding sources and ensure the long-term sustainability of museums within a constrained fiscal environment.