Minister Meyer Launches Draft Western Cape Museum Policy at Museum Symposium

Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape, today launched the draft Western Cape Museum Policy during a meeting with representatives of the governing bodies of affiliated museums as well as museum managers. The draft policy provides for individuals and communities to establish and maintain museums in the Western Cape within a framework consistent with constitutional provisions. It will also form the basis for the proposed new Western Cape provincial museum legislation to replace the current and much outdated Museum Ordinance promulgated as far back as 1975.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Meyer said, "The draft policy recommends a new order for the establishment of museums by the Western Cape Government. I am particularly excited by the recommendation that we should establish a Western Cape as well as Cape Town Museum as this will enable us to provide visitors with an overview of the history and heritage of the Mother City and its habitants."

The draft museum policy is available on the website of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. Interested parties have until 31 March 2012 to comment on the draft policy. "Museums are instruments of social inclusion and nation building. I therefore encourage the citizens to actively participate in the public process," says Dr Meyer.