Dear Editor
- Media reports have shone light on the failure of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to maintain the Johannesburg Art Gallery which is considered a national treasure.
- The Gallery is falling into ruins with water leakages potentially damaging important works of art.
- The DA will write to the Chairperson of the portfolio committee to demand urgent action and an update on the condition of the gallery.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) urgently calls for immediate intervention at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. The current state of the gallery poses a serious threat to our national cultural heritage, and we cannot afford to delay action any longer.
Despite previous oversight inspections and our repeated requests for intervention, little has been done to address the dire situation at the gallery. The neglected 100-year-old building suffers from issues such as water leakages, which have only worsened over time. Media reports have highlighted the alarming conditions, with art piled haphazardly, surrounded by deceased rodents and birds, and storage areas exposed to water leaks. The safety concerns have already led to the removal of the Oppenheimer collection, and visitor numbers remain low as only four halls are open for public viewing.
The Johannesburg Art Gallery houses an extraordinary collection and is considered an absolute national treasure. With works by esteemed artists such as Auguste Rodin, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Pablo Picasso, this collection must be protected at all costs. The DA has taken the initiative to write to the Chairperson of the portfolio committee, Ms. Beauty Dlulane, seeking an extensive update on the gallery’s condition and demanding urgent action.
In light of the urgency of the situation, we propose exploring the offer made by the Western Cape Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. Minister Anroux Marais has expressed willingness to assist in relocating the artworks to a safe haven in their province. We believe it is crucial for all stakeholders to come together and engage in discussions to determine the best way forward.
The time has come to prioritise intervention and save the Johannesburg Art Gallery, along with its invaluable art collection. Failure to act promptly would result in the irreparable loss of our cultural heritage. The DA stands committed to preserving our national treasures and ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate the artistic legacy of our country.
Regards
Veronica van Dyk MP
DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Arsenic Coo
Fun South African Fact: South African Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first heart transplant on 3 December 1967 at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. The groundbreaking surgery was carried out on Louis Washkansky and Dr. Barnard was assisted by a large and exceptional team of surgeons, nurses and technicians. One of Dr. Barnard’s assistants was Hamilton Naki, a black laboratory assistant who had worked previously as a gardener and went on to work in the animal laboratory at the University of Cape Town. He had assisted Dr Barnard with research leading to the transplant. In the apartheid days, Naki had no access to higher education due to his race. Despite being unable to access formal training, he learned from and assisted university researchers and went on to do amazing work.
Stick Shift
There was a postman who is always happy. in the other side there is harry who would just stares at the happy postman everyday and asks himself \”What\’s the secret of this man\”.
One day Harry decided to stop the postman and ask him why he\’s always smiling and happy, what he did.
the postman answered:\”Whenever I\’m handing a mail to a women I kisses her and I get more than just a kiss sometimes.\”
Harry liked the idea and went to a poste office and proposed for the job then he got it . In his first delivery Harry was so excited try the kissing thing out, and as he thought, there was a hot women in front of the first door, he went directly towared her and pasted her a kiss staight in the lips, in the center of that her husband suddenly appeared in front him and asked:\”WTF ARE YOU DOING.\”
\”I\’m just delivering a \’kiss\’ was sent from China\” Harry answered in a sporadic tone.
\”Very nice, you came on time, I want to send a \’Fuck\’ with you to South Africa\” the husband responded while draging Harry into the house.