Investigation recommends action against 2 RIM officials

THE Ex-Political Prisoners Association (EPPA) has welcomed the findings of an independent investigation that absolved the Robben Island Museum (RIM) of 21 of 22 allegations of wrongdoing.

The RIM council had earlier this year confirmed the probe after allegations including price-fixing and tender collusion in November 2018.

“During the course of the investigation, further allegations were brought to the attention of the RIM council, which resolved that the allegations fell within the scope of the terms of reference issued to MacRobert Attorneys and ought to be investigated,” RIM said.

“Those allegations related to, among other things, audit reports revealing non-performance by the RIM human resources and supply chain management departments, abnormal staff hiring, nepotism, poor overall performance by RIM management, intellectual property theft and poor ferry operational management,” added RIM.

RIM council chairperson Khensani Maluleke said the council hoped the findings, which found there was “no evidence” to substantiate the allegations, would “put to rest the negative narrative that has been perpetuated, by certain stakeholders and politicians”.

Maluleke said internal disciplinary processes against two RIM officials will take place in the next few weeks.

“In the report of legal advice, the investigation has made only one adverse finding on the numerous allegations made against RIM officials.

“In this regard, the report highlights a prima facie case for disciplinary action against two RIM officials.

“The state attorney has appointed a chairperson to chair the disciplinary inquiry and arrangements are being made for conduct of the internal disciplinary process within the next few weeks.

“Due to the ongoing disciplinary process, and out of respect for the RIM employees concerned, potential witnesses and the integrity of the disciplinary process as a whole, no further information can responsibly be provided at this stage.

“We remain committed to transparency and the finalisation of the disciplinary process, and/or any other legal proceedings relating thereto, and, as such, the outcomes thereof will be made public in the form of an executive summary in due course,” said Maluleke.

EPPA secretary-general Mpho Masemola said the association welcomed the announcement but, in the interest of transparency and full accountability, that the disciplinary reports be made public.

“While respecting the disciplinary process under way affecting the implicated staff members we are concerned that the RIM chair has again stated that he will only provide an ‘executive summary’ of this important report, which has been paid for by public funds and which impacts the most renowned cultural historical site in South Africa, which also relies on public funds.

“In the true interests of transparency, openness, full accountability and good governance of our public entities – when public corruption is rampant and the subject of various commissions – nothing less than full disclosure of this, and the other reports into how RIM is managed, will satisfy the public’s need to know what exactly has been happening at their cultural historical site.

“We therefore call on the minister to ensure that these reports are publicly disclosed,” Masemola said.