Iconic landmark under threat of closing

The DA Gauteng is taking action over the future of the Heidelberg Heritage Museum.

As one of Heidelberg’s oldest buildings, the museum houses the town’s rich history.

A cornerstone in the community, the museum first opened as the Heidelberg Railway Station in October 1896. It showcases the rich tapestry of Heidelberg’s past.

History enthusiasts, travellers and residents often visit the museum to journey through time and discover the stories that have shaped Heidelberg.

The building was declared a national monument in 1975 and operated as the old Transport Museum.
Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill and the Duke of Connaught were some of the famous people who travelled through Heidelberg.

In 1995, it was declared the Heidelberg Heritage Museum.

Restaurants, coffee shops and curio shops later opened on the premises and served as one of the attractions in Heidelberg.

Because of ongoing disputes about electricity and basic services experienced by the restaurateurs, threats of closing this iconic landmark have been a significant concern for Heidelberg residents.

According to Leanne de Jager MPL, DA Gauteng spokesperson for Sport Arts Culture Recreation, in response to serious management discrepancies, the DA will table questions to the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, demanding immediate clarity on who is responsible for the museum’s oversight.

“This step comes amid growing concerns that mismanagement, marked by a lack of a formal contract with the Lesedi Local Municipality, irregular tender processes, and unauthorised sub-letting practices, could lead to the premature closure of this vital national monument,” said De Jager.

“The future of the Heidelberg Heritage Museum, which has already cost taxpayers over R6.8m in renovations, is uncertain because of an ongoing conflict between the museum management and the Lesedi Local Municipality.

“The museum is a national monument that serves as a repository of local history, preserving artefacts and stories that reflect the diverse cultures of South Africa. As such, any potential closure of the museum is deeply concerning.

“We learned of the conflict between the management and the local municipality during a recent oversight inspection at the museum after being notified of the impending closure of this renowned heritage site.

During the oversight inspection at the museum, the DA Gauteng discovered the following:

• The current museum management does not have a signed contract with the Lesedi Local Municipality.

• Proper tender processes were not followed, and the current management was self-appointed, based on a tacit verbal agreement between them and a former mayor.

• Repairs, and sub-letting to businesses without the necessary authority.

• Electricity has been cut because of non-payment.

“The DA Gauteng finds this situation unacceptable. The museum should be a functioning facility because of its significant economic potential. Specifically, it can serve as a catalyst for boosting tourism in Heidelberg, which could ultimately lead to job creation for the community,” said De Jager.

“Furthermore, the DA supports public and private sector partnerships in running this museum. However, proper procedures must be followed when leasing this facility.

“This will ensure the smooth running of the museum and the payment of utilities to avoid interruptions of services rendered by this facility.

“The closure of this museum resulting from a dispute between the management and the municipality, is not only ridiculous but also a disservice to those who believed in its significance like the former President Nelson Mandela, who officially opened the museum at the dawn of our democracy.

“The DA Gauteng will leverage every available resource within the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and beyond to safeguard this vital monument of our province and ensure the significant stories it holds are conveyed from this generation to the next.”