Dear Editor
While we welcome the executive summary received on the investigation into allegations of mismanagement at Robben Island Museum (RIM), we remain concerned by the lack of transparency and continue to hold serious reservations about how public funds have been used at the museum. This follows our PAIA application for the full set of documents to be made available. In the summary provided, 22 allegations made by the Ex-Political Prisoners’ Association were investigated and addressed, many dating back to November 2018.
I have written to the National Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, as well as the CEO of RIM, Mr. Mava Dada to address two crucial outstanding concerns. We need to be fully satisfied that that these allegations were properly heard, and not swept under the carpet.
Firstly, we seek further information surrounding the disciplinary proceedings against two officials allegedly involved in collusion and price fixing with local ferry companies. These ferry companies were found guilty by the Competition Commission. After initial advice to institute disciplinary proceedings, they were cancelled upon receiving “further legal advice”. These internal proceedings are of great impact to the integrity of the Museum and relevant details should be made available.
Secondly, RIM admits to having “committed a mistake” in the tendering process when attempting to find service providers to repair one of its ferries. While the summary maintains that no prejudice occurred as a result, I would like to be furnished with further details surrounding the process.
Being only an executive summary, we still await the full report in line with our request made in terms of the PAIA application that we submitted. We are not aware of any reasonable excuse for the absence of a full report, considering that sensitive information, such as individuals’ names and contact details, could be redacted before release. Nevertheless, I am concerned that some allegations were dealt with improperly, leaving a vague explanation of events.
This summary seemingly exonerates RIM of any wrongdoing after 22 allegations were made, which we caution is a little too convenient. Nonetheless, our duty of oversight never ends because the DA is committed to ensuring that public resources and funds are spent for the greatest benefit of our primary concern: the public.
Regards
Reagen Allen, MPP
DA WC Spokesperson for Cultural Affairs and Sport
