ANC says "hands off" Robben Island

The Western Cape ANC questions the DA's interference in World Heritage Site Robben Island's affairs.

This follows the attack over visitor statistics and services by the DA-led Western Cape provincial government under premier Helen Zille on Robben Island management.

The ANC says the DA has again exceeded its Constitutional competency by sticking its nose into matters it has no mandate over.

"The business and management of the Robben Island museum and other matters pertaining to it, has been under severe and repeated attacks by the provincial government who even staged a debate in the legislature on a matter that is outside of its competency. Now again tourism MEC Alan Winde has a lot to say about the number of visitors to Robben Island (see here).

"The ANC therefore condemns the irresponsible statements by Winde. It is clear the DA discredits Robben Island and its operations with unfounded allegations. The DA was one of the fiercest critics with the establishment of this tourism site and now it postulates to be the guardian of a national asset. The power-hungry DA wants to take control of a successful tourist attraction for ulterior motives in a bid to take over the running of the Island.

"The ANC supports the Robben Island management in doing a sterling job to market and run this important and strategic asset," says Western Cape ANC provincial secretary Songezo Mjongile.

Statement issued by Western Cape Provincial Secretary Songezo Mjongile, January 13 2012

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