The Alexandra Museum which was opened to the public unofficially September last year, still can’t operate at full throttle.
Seemingly wobbling from one to the next man-made challenges, the impressive, well-curated state-of-the-art facility appears months if not years away from being the anticipated footprint for the sprawling township’s residents to pride themselves of.
The facility’s education officer Percy Ndaba said, “We operate on zero budget and are uncertain what will be disbursed for our operations this coming financial year starting in July.”
Meanwhile, and from its minimal usage, the richly curated facility with so much potential may be yet another symbolic memento of an accumulation of perplexing white elephants characteristic of the township.
Ndaba attributed the unknown date for its official opening to the delay in the issuing of a compliance certificate by the contractors to the client, the Joburg Development Agency. “We fear dangers and injuries which could arise without full cover for the users.”
The catch-22 situation has other inhibitions. “We have shelved our full programme of activities and, can’t market the facility fully except through word of mouth, limited circulation of flyers and newsletters.
“This denies research initiatives, partnering major tourist agencies and exposing our offerings to and linking with the global museum fraternity.”
In addition, Ndaba said the restricted marketing also denies access to some of the locals who pass by thinking that they would be charged unaware of the city’s free entry policy. “They miss out on the rich tapestry of their township’s history, information on its culture, social, economic, geopolitical genesis and influence countrywide, region and globally.”
Knowledge gained would also help to dispel myths and misperceptions about the settlement.
Ndaba, however, commended the increase in visits by local schools and a few tourists who are directed by guides to it when they visit Mandela’s former room just across the road. “Their number could increase if muggings which are now dwindling in the precinct could end and, encourage major tour agency to partner us fully.”
Despite the challenge, Ndaba is happy with the partnerships of local art and cultural groups. They use stalls inside and outside to market quality local artefacts, clothing and an in-house restaurant will be the firm foundation they need for well-rounded offerings to groups of visitors they anxiously await. “Cultural performances, music, dance and plays will add ambience for attraction to the facility.”
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