Question NW445 to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

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31 March 2020 - NW445

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture

1. Whether the Oude Stadshuis in Cape Town, managed by Iziko Museums of South Africa, is closed to the public; if so, (a)(i) since what date has it been closed and (ii) what is the reason for the closure, (b) by what date will Oude Stadshuis be reopened to the public and (c) what amount in revenue has been lost in each year that it has been closed; 2. (a) what happened to the Michaelis collection of art works, (b) what does the specified collection consist of, (c) does the collection include international work and work of the old Dutch masters and (d) what is the monetary value of the art work; 3. whether any technical problems have been detected in the Oude Stadshuis; if so, (a) on what date was each problem detected and (b) what steps has his department taken to resolve the problems? NW627E

Reply:

(1).     Currently the Oude Stadshuisis closed to the public.

(a)(i). It was closed to the public on 31 December 2015.

(ii). Two serious electrical-related incidents – a fire in the wall and burning in the ceiling – transpired at the Oude Stadshuis. Assessment of the incident by The Department of Public Works and Occupational Health and Safety team determined that the impact of the incidence made it unsafe for the public, staff and irreplaceable artworks housed therein.

(b). The reopening of the Oude Stadshuis is dependent on a series of factors. Some of the processes of upgrading and maintaining the museum are beyond the locus of Iziko’s control. Iziko is engaging with all stakeholders at national, provincial and local levels, and have followed all required processes. Iziko is committed to ensuring the protection and safety of the building, the collection formerly housed therein, and the public – whom our museums serve.  The impact of the recent occupation by the refugees of the veranda of the Oude Stadshuisand the surrounding building, has further impacted the implementation timelines. Currently, a project manager has been appointed to manage the implementation. Procurement of goods and services are planned for the upcoming fiscal and Supply Chain has been engaged in the processes. Project implementation that is both outside of the scope and control of Iziko Museums of South Africa, include approvals by provincial heritage authority committees.

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