Media enquiries please contact: Rooksana Omar 021 481 3832 021 481 3838 or email ceo@iziko.org.za
The Presidency of South Africa has declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19) a national state of disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act. Iziko Museums of South Africa supports the Presidential decree and shares the concern of every citizen.
The Council of Iziko Museums, upon recommendation of the Iziko management and trade union representatives has, in the interest of the well-being of its staff and visitors, decided to close the following museum sites:
·Bertram House
·Bo-Kaap Museum
·Koopmans de Wet House
·Old Town House Museum
·Rust en Vreugd House Museum
·Slave Lodge
·South African National Gallery
·South African Museum and Planetarium
·William Fehr Collection of the Castle of Good Hope
·Manor House at Groot Constantia
·Iziko Maritime Centre
In these extraordinary times, Iziko Museums of South Africa is temporarily closed.
All public programmes, planetarium shows, scheduled commemorative day events, the mobile museum outreach activities, venue hire undertakings, tours to our museums, field trips and research related endeavours, as well as conferences, travel and meetings have been suspended. Public Access to Iziko libraries and collections will also be restricted.
“These are extraordinary times which require comprehensive and proactive action to contain the spread of the virus”, says the Chairperson of Iziko’s Council, Advocate Rod Solomons.
These measures are geared to prevent and reduce the impact of the outbreak, and internal transmission of the virus.
“Iziko Museums of South Africa has a moral obligation, as one of the premier cultural, heritage and artistic attractions, to protect its visitors and staff. The collective decision to close the museums and suspend programme activities was informed by potential high-risk exposure to patrons and staff”, says Ms Rooksana Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Iziko Museums of South Africa.
Iziko values the support of its visitors. Although the museums will be closed, visitors are encouraged to explore the Iziko website, www.iziko.org.za, and follow Iziko Museums on social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, for updates and information.
ENDS
Issued by: Advocate Rod Solomons, Chairperson of the Iziko Museums of South Africa Council and
Rooksana Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Iziko Museums of South Africa
Telephone: 021 481 3832
Email: ceo@iziko.org.za
Website: www.iziko.org.za
About Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko)
Iziko operates 11 national museums, the Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Social History Centre and three collection‑specific libraries in Cape Town. The museums that make up Iziko have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections that reflect our diverse African heritage. Iziko is a public entity and public benefit organisation that brings together these museums under a single governance and leadership structure. The organisation allows *free access to all individuals on commemorative days, (*excluding the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia and Planetarium and Digital Dome). Visit our webpage at www.iziko.org.za, join our online community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IzikoMuseums), Instagram (@izikomuseumssa) or follow us on Twitter (@Iziko_Museums) for regular updates on events, news and new exhibitions.
