Joburg City Library reopens with fresh look on its 90th birthday

Loading player...

One of Johannesburg’s most loved public spaces is back! After major upgrades, the historic Joburg City Library reopened on Women’s Day just in time to celebrate its 90th anniversary. First opened in 1935, the library now boasts fresh interiors while still holding its 1.5 million-strong book collection. It’s more than a building, it’s a space for learning, culture, and community. City officials say it’s also key to Joburg’s global image. Phemelo chats with Nobuntu Mpendulo about what the reopening means for the city and its future readers.

11 Aug 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Germiston Unrest: Ekurhuleni Mayor Defends Evictions After Home Affairs Fire

Tensions are high in Germiston after the local Home Affairs office was set alight during violent protests linked to evictions at Pharoe Park flats. Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza says the city won’t back down on removing tenants who haven’t paid rent, insisting the evictions are legally sound. The city’s housing…

12 Aug 5PM 22 min

SA's Small Businesses on the Brink – Over Half May Shut Down Within a Year

South Africa’s small businesses are under serious pressure, and many might not make it. A new survey shows that more than half (55.3%) of small and medium-sized businesses say they can only survive for one more year - or less - under current rising cost conditions, unless they get outside…

12 Aug 5PM 21 min

Book Feature: No Last Place to Rest - Coal Mining and Dispossession in South Africa

This week’s book feature is a powerful one. No Last Place to Rest by Dineo Skosana is a heartbreaking look at how coal mining continues to uproot and dispossess communities in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. But this isn’t just about land, it’s about homes, graves, spiritual ties, and dignity. Skosana challenges…

12 Aug 5PM 27 min

Taxing Times with the Tshabalalas – Why Your Tax Bill Keeps Growing

In Episode 9 of Taxing Times with the Tshabalalas, we unpack a silent but costly problem, those rising tax balances. CEO of Netvest, Busisiwe Mdletshe, explains how penalties and interest quietly stack up behind the scenes, leaving taxpayers wondering why their bills just won’t go down.

12 Aug 5PM 15 min

SA Government Launches ‘You(th)’ Newsletter to Connect with Young People

There’s a new platform aimed at empowering young South Africans. It’s called You(th) a digital newsletter launched by Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike. This bi-weekly publication is all about giving young people direct access to useful info, from government opportunities…

12 Aug 5PM 7 min

All episodes