There have been burglaries and vandalism at 11 museums in the Western Cape since 2019.
This information was disclosed in response to a DA question in the legislature by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS).
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The affected museums are the Fransie Pienaar Museum, Genadendal Museum, George Museum, Hout Bay Museum, Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum, Old Harbour Museum and Worcester Museum.
Small-scale vandalism and more serious break-ins and thefts were both reported in these incidents.
Most frequently, office supplies and items made of metals like brass, copper, iron, silver, and aluminium were stolen.
Gillion Bosman, the provincial cultural affairs and sports spokesperson for the DA, estimated the damages at about R500 000.
‘As custodians of our history, it is crucial for communities to come together and denounce these acts of criminality.’
‘Museums play a vital role in preserving our heritage and serve as important educational and cultural institutions.’
‘The DA urges every citizen to recognise the importance of safeguarding these buildings that stand as living testimonies to our past.’
‘It is imperative that swift justice be served, ensuring that those responsible for these senseless acts are held accountable,’ he said.
In order to lessen the impact of such incidents, the Western Cape DCAS claims to have implemented a number of measures, including the deployment of armed response teams, CCTV surveillance systems, and alarm systems.
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Picture: @visitoudtshoorn / Twitter
