The fate of R3 million (approximately £125,000) allocated for the maintenance of a theatre in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is under scrutiny as the facility falls into disrepair.
The Johannes Stegmann Theatre in Secunda was allocated funds in 2017 for maintenance. However, seven years later, the theatre is in a state of decay. The local Govan Mbeki municipality has been unable to explain the use of the funds, prompting Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to commit to investigating the matter.
The theatre, built by chemicals company Sasol in 1984, was once a vibrant cultural centre. It was donated to the local council in 1986 and is now owned by the Govan Mbeki municipality.
Local councillor Encee van Huyssteen has reported various issues including substandard lighting, makeshift power cables, and water leaks.
Former cast member of the musical Sarafina!, Sindiso Nkosi, expressed dismay at the theatre’s decline, noting its importance to the region’s performing arts scene.
The ministry spokesperson, Cassiday Rangata-Jacobs, stated that criminal cases may be opened if money is found to have been stolen. She emphasised the current government’s commitment to accountability.
