The Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana, yesterday appointed Mr Vusithemba Ndima, Acting Deputy Director-General (Cultural Heritage) in the Department of Arts and Culture, as the interim CEO of the Robben Island Museum.
The Minister has delegated to Mr Ndima the full powers of the position. Mr Ndima has been working in the heritage branch of the department for nine years. He has been tasked to bring greater stability to the day to day running of the Robben Island Museum and work closely with senior management and the rest of the staff.
Mr Ndima’s appointment brings direct departmental oversight to the Museum. He started work immediately. The minister is confident that the interim appointment will ensure efficient and uninterrupted operations at the museum.
Due to Mr Ndima’s responsibilities at the Department of Arts and Culture, the Iziko Museum Council has agreed to allow their CEO, Professor Henry Bredekamp, to take over as interim CEO of the Robben Island Museum after Mr Ndima. Professor Bredekamp also brings with him a wealth of experience in the heritage sector.
Minister Xingwana visited Robben Island today and interacted with staff informing them of these developments and gave her assurances that she would fast track the appointment of the new council and the new CEO.
Media enquiries:
Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 821 4886
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Mack Lewele
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Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
10 June 2009
