South African museum, District Six is feeling the dire impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and is urgently seeking for funding to keep its doors open.
Due to the restrictions on travel and the movement restrictions during lock down, the museum was not able to generate any income. District Six has re-opened to staff from the 1st of September 2020, with reduced working hours. They are not able to sustain staff salaries and operational income for the coming months, and in this context, hence the potential closure of the Museum.
The museum, a popular tourist destination in Cape Town, is open by appointment during September, Tuesdays – Thursdays and will reopen to the public from the 1st of October 2020. All health and safety regulations are in place.
“The lack of feet through the door has affected us,” says acting director Chrischené Julius. We no longer have the operational funds to sustain staff salaries and administrative expenses.”
Julius says the museum receives funds from the government, but this does not cover operational costs.
“We went from hosting more than 69,000 self-guided visits and 7,500 guided visits to zero visitors to the museum since the announcement of the lockdown in March,” she says.
To prevent closing the doors, the museum has sent out a fundraising e-mail asking friends and community members for support:
- A monthly donation of R50. This is the value of an entrance fee.
- A one-off donation of R110. This is the value of a guided visit.
“We urgently need your support and solidarity. When District Sixers were handed their eviction notices, in true District Six fashion they renamed these notices ‘Love Letters’. We are asking you to send us a Love Letter, but this time, with real love and care,” reads the e-mail.
They are also asking people to support the online shop: www.districtsix.co.za.
They will continue to provide customised programmes on an online platform for schools and universities. Email education@districtix.co.za to find out more.
Tours in September are available on an appointment basis between Tuesdays-Thursdays. Book a slot by calling 021 466 7200.
Send your Love Letter via:
EFT:
Standard Bank
Account no: 070 293 686
Branch code: 020 909
Swift code: SBZ AZA JJ
Your support will ensure that our programmes continue, that the doors stay open and that we continue to work in meaningful ways with our community.
Article written by Constance van Niekerk
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