Cape Town – The full report of the investigation into mismanagement at Robben Island Museum (RIM) has been made public via the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) four months after it was originally submitted.
The investigation goes back to November 2018 when the Ex-Political Prisoners’ Association (EPPA) alleged mismanagement against the museum.
The RIM council was required by law to assess the veracity of, and investigate, the allegations even though another investigation had previously been undertaken by the parent ministry, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
An executive summary of the report said the investigation had faced challenges such as unfulfilled requests for documentation and resistance from certain witnesses, including former RIM council members and RIM officials.
“Notwithstanding this, we were able to secure cooperation from certain witnesses who were able to contribute meaningfully to the investigation,” said the report.
RIM council chairperson Khensani Maluleke said: “We have put this matter behind us. We remain committed to stakeholder relations and welcome any form of whistle-blowing, substantiated with evidence, to support the allegations.
“Going forward, we are focused on building a strong executive team that will lead RIM through and beyond the challenges of resuscitating and returning our core business to a sounder footing, including growing domestic tourism.”
Meanwhile, the EPPA say they would be meeting with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa and RIM council members to discuss the report.
Cape Argus