Hard working museums get financial boost from DCAS

Western Cape museums, which form part of the largest museum service in South Africa, received a welcome financial boost from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) on 27 June 2018. The cheque handover took place at a gala event at the Protea Hotel, Techno Park in Stellenbosch. The gala dinner was the opening event for the annual Museum Symposium for 2018.

Museum Service Deputy Director, Michael van Rensburg, welcomed all museum managers and guests to the event, and stressed how important museums are to communities. “With the cultural heritage of the Western Cape, it is no good to aim for any other goal than being the best run museum service in the world,” said Van Rensburg as he presented a motivational talk to all the guests. He encouraged guests to contribute to their communities in a positive way, as museums form part of the hearts of communities and can greatly contribute to creating a socially inclusive, active and connected Western Cape.

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, handed over R 7 354 906 to the 19 provincial and 4 affiliated museums. Minister Marais thanked all the museum managers for the work that they put into making museums attractive places to visit. She closed her speech with inspiring words for all, and quoted Dr Viv Golding by saying that museums are islands of pure research and conservation, but also dynamic forums for justice.

Dr Mxolisi Dlamuka, Director for Museums, Heritage and Geographical Names Services delivered the vote of thanks, and said that museums are called upon to ensure that they engage with their communities. “The focus of our work as a museum service should be on building social cohesion,” said Dr Dlamuka.

Museum Managers also received certificates and plaques in recognition of their hard work. The gala also saw the launch of the Cape Town Museum website. The symposium will run until 29 June 2018, where museums from the various regions within the Western Cape will share information and expertise.

DCAS encourages communities and tourists to learn more about the local history at museums in the Western Cape. Let us promote and share the valuable items and activities at our museums, BETTER TOGETHER.