There is finally light at the end of the tunnel for Talana Museum after Eskom restored its electricity supply, bringing an end to eight weeks of darkness caused by the municipality’s failure to pay its electricity account.

The museum’s electricity was disconnected eight weeks ago after Endumeni Municipality reportedly failed to settle its account for several months.

Despite numerous telephone calls, meetings, letters and emails in an effort to establish when payment would be made and electricity restored, the museum had seen little progress.

Today, Cllr Salim Abdool told the Courier that the ‘on switch was flipped’ following protracted negotiations with Eskom’s head office.

“It is not a case of taking credit. This was a united effort with the backing of local businessman Alan Schonken whom I thank for his dedication to the community.”

Abdool declined to give full details but it is understood that the R130 000 owed by the municipality on that particular account still has to be cleared.

Community support keeps museum afloat

During the two-month ordeal, the museum relied heavily on community and business support to keep essential operations going.

Solar installations helped maintain security systems, while solar security lighting provided some illumination at night. Corobrik also donated a solar system to help keep basic lighting and essential systems operational.

“Local businesses in Dundee and Glencoe assisted with discounted prices for solar security lighting, while residents continued enquiring about the museum’s situation and offering support,” said Board member, Pam McFadden.

Museum representatives expressed their gratitude, saying the response had demonstrated just how much the institution meant to the local community.

“The closure of its electricity supply had a financial impact, with the museum earning no income for the past two months and losing international and other group bookings because its exhibits were left in darkness.

“Miners Rest restaurant and KwaKunjé Village also tried to remain operational, but the cost of running diesel generators became prohibitive.”

The museum said the support had reinforced the importance of its role in preserving the area’s history and heritage, as well as its contribution to the local tourism economy.

Back in business

“With the lights finally back on, Talana Museum is preparing to resume normal operations and will now contact tour operators and organised groups to encourage them to reinstate bookings,” Mc Fadden said.