Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero says the city did not overspend its budget when it refurbished the long-closed Johannesburg City Library. Speaking to the media at the official opening, Morero has confirmed that approximately R37 million has been spent, with an additional R20 million needed to conclude the work.

“We ensured that everything is dealt with according to budget, with engineers on site to monitor the work,” says Moreto.

He says the library is all systems go to resume operations, although some labour-related issues remain that affect weekend service. 

As we celebrate #SALibraryWeek2025 from 17-23 March, the City of Joburg is thrilled that Phase One of the Joburg City Library’s reopening is taking place today, 21 March. This marks a significant milestone in bringing this historic space back to life for our residents,… pic.twitter.com/cYcF1tyQrb

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) March 21, 2025

Learners expressed excitement over the reopening.

“As someone who doesn’t have resources such as a laptop at home, I didn’t have access to computers and that really affected my studies. So, now that the library is opened it’s going to help me. I’m really excited,” says one of the students.

“With the library being opened, it’s a good chance for so many students to feel like they can reach their fullest capability, and I think it’s important,” says another excited student. 

We are excited to announce the reopening of phase one of the Johannesburg City Library. A Jewel is Reawakened.#JoburgOurFirstLove#ReimagingJoburg#JoburgReimagined pic.twitter.com/2xxXz55jTF

— Executive Mayor of the City Of Joburg (@DadaMorero) March 21, 2025