Wednesday, January 23, 2019

NEHAWU Welcomes Investigation Into the Allegations of Mismanagement and Corruption Against Robben Island Museun CEO and Board
17 January 2019

The announcement was made by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Honourable Nathi Mthethwa, after receiving a list of grievances that affects our members, workers and the Ex- Robben Island Political Prisoners Association of South Africa (EPPA).

Last year our members employed at the Museum consistently raised allegations of irregularities related to human resources, finances, facilities, ferries and procurement but their attempts to alert the executive management to the existence of the these irregularities was a futile exercise as the management elected to turn a blind eye. Instead of attending to grievances raised by our members and workers the management responded by victimising workers and shop stewards including locking venues booked for union meetings, violated workers rights, and refused to implement collective bargaining agreements.

The national union stands firmly behind the call made by our members in 2018 for the current CEO to be removed and the Board of the Robben Island Museum be immediately dissolved. We cannot remain passive while our National Heritage is being destroyed by an intolerant and obstinate management.

As NEHAWU, we are prepared to defend our heritage with everything at our disposal. We call on the Minister to suspend the CEO because his presence at the Museum can undermine the impending investigation. The national union will request an audience with the Minister to brief him on the allegations raised by our members against the CEO and the board, including to handover all the evidence that relates to the issues of mismanagement, nepotism and corruption. We have also instructed our legal team to peruse the evidence with the view to open criminal cases against those who are implicated.

Our members are highly mobilised and ready to embark on a strike action if the CEO is not suspended and the board disbanded. We shall launch a more coordinated and aggressive campaign working with the EPPA and other progressive organisations.

Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat

Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968; December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969; Khaya Xaba (NEHAWU Media Liaison Officer) at 082 455 2500 or email: khaya@nehawu.org.za Visit NEHAWU website: www.nehawu.org.za

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