Question NW1732 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
13 August 2020 - NW1732
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1).(a)(i)Who made the decision that the chief executive officer (CEO) will be vetting future research at the Bloemfontein National Museum, specifically referring to the Colonial and Apartheid history and (ii) what were the reasons behind the specified decision and (b) did all Board members agree to this; (2). given that approved research already goes through a peer review process to ensure that it adheres to the highest possible standard, why is there a need to further scrutinise any research; (3). whether the Board has approved the appointment of a panel to assist a certain person (name furnished) in vetting the research material; if not, was this a decision taken by the CEO; if so, (a) what are the criteria for the specified panel and (b) does appointing a panel involve any extra costs for the museum; (4). whether any (a) research vetted by the CEO has been rejected for publishing and (b) information from any research was removed; if so, (i) what was the reason for this in each case and (ii) by what date will the documentation be made available? NW2122E
Reply:
1.(a)(i). In terms of the official delegations of the National Museum, all Museum funded research are firstly approved by the CEO
(ii). Same as (i) above
(b). The delegations regarding this aspect is not new or recent as it has always applied.
2. Not all research approved by the Museum goes through a peer review process before dissemination to the public.
3. (a) (b). No, and no extra cost are envisaged
4. None of the research vetted by the CEO has been rejected and or was removed