GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - On Friday, 8 June, the 59th AGM of the Friends of the Graaff-Reinet Museum was held.
About 30 people attended the meeting, held at the Museum, and listened attentively to reports from the Head of the Museum, Anziske Kayster and chairperson of the Board of Trustees, as well as the financial report.
Sarah Cromhout, facilitator at the Herding Academy, gave a very interesting talk about her research, namely the effect on soil and the landscape of large groups of livestock.
The long-serving Peter Whitlock, in his sixth annual report as chairperson of the Board of Trustees, was pleased to report that there has been a turnaround in the Museum's circumstances on various fronts during the year. He commented on the perseverance, fortitude, diligence and creativity of the Board and staff to serve the interests of the Museum as best they can, and believes that this never-say-die attitude is now bearing fruit and will continue to do so in the future.
After many years of lodging formal representations with the Department of Sport Recreation Arts and Culture regarding the prevailing serious staffing and financial problems, the Board received a deputation of senior Departmental officials last October. A firm undertaking was given by the Department to fill vacant posts as soon as possible.
Joy Wiliams and Glenda Mackelina were welcomed onto the Board, as co-opted members, to fill long-standing vacancies while the Museum awaits formal notice from the MEC for nominations for new Board members.
In staff news, the Board was also pleased to welcome two new appointments in April, Sinethemba Citwa as Auxiliary Service Officer and Bhapiwe Ngandi as Administrative Assistant. Zennevin Isaks, who has been in the Board’s employ for a number of years, has been appointed by the Department to the position of General Assistant and Denise van Wyk has received a richly deserved promotion from Auxiliary Service Officer to Chief Auxiliary Service Officer.
Another appointment is that of Curtis Mitchell, who is busy digitising the Museum's collection of images- this is undoubtedly the biggest project the Museum has taken on for many years.
The project is thanks to the initiative of Prof. Johannes Haarhoff, who identified the opportunity, and made his experience available to the Museum.
On funding, the Rupert Historic Homes Foundation once again elected to come to the Museum’s aid with an extremely generous grant to attend to the restoration work on the Old Residency and Urquhart House. The tangible results of their generosity can certainly not go unnoticed by the greater Graaff-Reinet community. “We are extremely grateful for their assistance in the uphill, and ongoing, climb which is so much part of heritage conservation” said Kayster. All who faithfully contribute towards the Museum’s funding were also thanked.
The project is thanks to the initiative of Prof. Johannes Haarhoff, who identified the opportunity, and made his experience available to the Museum.
One of the many highlights of the year is that, following the success of last year, the Museum again was part of International Museum Day celebrations. Learners as far as Klipplaat and Steytlerville explored the Museum, and statistics indicate that approximately 170 learners attended the event.
Head of the Museum, Anziske Kayster, received the MEC’s Award for Museums and Heritage. She is indeed a worthy recipient of this accolade for fostering and promoting an ethos of excellence at the Graaff-Reinet Museum. She thanked her loyal staff and Board members for their support.
During the financial report, delivered by Don van Wyk, he expressed his admiration for how the financial accounts were implemented. He commented that the electricity account had even decreased- a feat which very few manage to achieve.
Liesl Heunis in absentia and Brain Hough were re-elected onto the board as the Friends of the Museum representatives.
Sarah Cromhout, facilitator at the Herding Academy, gave a very interesting talk about her research, namely the effect on soil and the landscape of large groups of livestock.
At the conclusion of the meeting, those present enjoyed a selection of hearty soups, and the chance to socialise.
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