Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Werner Pretorius MPL and images here, here and here
One of Bloemfontein’s most iconic and oldest beacons, the historic Queens Fort Military Museum, which overlooks the City Centre has been closed to the public some 17 months since its power was disconnected by Centlec in January 2023 due to outstanding debt.
The Military Museum houses an imposing collection of artifacts depicting major military conflicts from 1820s to the 1990s. The Museum serves as an historic and educational centre, with the exiting military displays located on the grounds which include armoured vehicles, tanks and jets.
In a written reply to questions posed by the DA, the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and recreation, Ntombizanele Sifuba, confirmed that the power was cut to the Museum due to arrear accounts. The MEC further confirmed that the Department of Public Works has now settled the outstanding debt and has requested the power utility Centlec to restore supply to the Museum on several occasions, to no avail.
The DA has engaged the MEC requesting her to take action to ensure the power is restored and that the Museum be re-opened to the public. The DA also calls on the MEC to ensure the visiting hours of museums across the province as most are closed on Saturdays when the public have more time to experience them.
With major sporting events lined up for the City this coming weekend it would be most beneficial if all tourist attractions within the City are open to the public and tourists alike. The City, and the Free State, boasts many places of interests which should be developed to support tourism, job creation and nation building.
The DA will continue to champion the conservation and further development of Free State heritage to boost tourism within the province, provide education and foster a love for our shared heritage, arts and culture.