Robben Island faces an independent investigation of its workplace environment after a spate of high-profile resignations, the Robben Island Museum (RIM) council confirmed this week in an internal memo to staff.
The probe will look at multiple staff concerns, including those about RIM CEO Abigail Thulare who is under fire over an allegedly “dictatorial” style or leadership. Thulare insists she is simply trying to stabilise RIM after years of management turmoil.
“Council has resolved to institute an independent investigation into key organisational concerns, including staff resignations, staff satisfaction and workplace climate,” said the memo emailed to staff on Monday by council chairperson Prof Saths Cooper.
“The investigation will involve confidential staff interviews. You are, therefore, encouraged to bring to the attention of the independent investigation any concerns you may have. Council is dedicated to maintaining open engagement with staff throughout this process.”
“Council is committed to ensuring a fair and impartial investigation to address organisational concerns and improve workplace conditions. Your input is vital to this process,” Cooper said.
The investigation will in addition require Thulare to make a written submission regarding various operational aspects, including the performance of one of her senior managers.
The Sunday Times reported at the weekend on internal ructions within RIM senior management, with some sources claiming the many workplace disputes had affected operational performance.
Thulare told the Sunday Times she was determined to continue with a turnaround strategy adopted by council in 2022, even in the face of staffing and other workplace challenges.
“This requires full and continued commitment in achieving the agreed deliverables with council which is a mandate that we have been delivering and is monitored on a quarterly basis by council,” she said in response to queries. “I am committed to continuing to deliver on the mandate which is not only a commitment to RIM but to South Africa and the world given that RIM is a World Heritage Site, a site of memory.”
The Association of ex-Political Prisoners said last week they were anxious to address the concerns with both RIM management and the council. The association also questioned the cancellation of a much-anticipated 30-years of Freedom memorial event.
“We are also equally concerned about the status of Robben Island and well being (welfare and financial stability) of ex-political prisoners who are working on Robben Island,” secretary-general of the association, Mpho Masemola, said.
“Since we are enjoined in the Memorandum of Agreement with RIM, and as a responsible party to the MOA, we will not tire to request meetings with both the RIM management and council, where such pertinent matters need to be resolved, and the status and condition of RIM need to be returned to its initial years of glory,” said Masemola.
The department of sport, arts and culture had not responded to queries by late on Thursday. This article will be updated when it is received.
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