Market Theatre closes one chapter and turns
a new page…
The Council of the Market Theatre
Foundation (MTF) is pleased to announce that the five staff members who were
subject to disciplinary hearings, following a forensic investigation report by
Morar & Inc commissioned by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture,
were all found not guilty on all counts. The charges, which included
allegations of racism, nepotism and graft were found to have no substance in a
process overseen by independent prosecutors and presiding officers. The
hearings of the CEO, Ismail Mahomed and CFO, Christine McDonald were referred
by them to the CCMA in terms of section 188A of the Labour Relations Act.
“The process that unfolded was unfortunate
and painful. However, we are pleased that our integrity, reputations and
commitment to the arts, creative and cultural sector has emerged intact and
that together with the staff and the Council of the MTF we are able to close
this unfortunate chapter in the history of the MTF and continue to honour the
legacy of our institution,” said CEO of the MTF, Ismail Mahomed.
The Council regrets the impact these
allegations and the processes that followed had on Ismail Mahomed (CEO),
Christine McDonald (CFO), Perpetua Mathsa (HR Manager), Zama Buthelezi (Brand
and Marketing Manager) and Lusanda Zokufa (Senior Publicist) in both their
professional and personal lives and on their families. The Council has also
withdrawn a written warning issued to the HR Manager, Perpetua Mathsa,
following a review of the hearing outcome.
The hearings found no proof of nepotism by
the CEO as reported in the Mail and Guardian in which former staff member
Yusrah Bardien was implicated, no proof of racism by the CEO as reported in The
Sowetan and no proof of R100 million graft by the CFO as reported in The Star.
As an organisation this process led to an
environment in which we lost a number of talented staff including Yusrah
Bardien which was regrettable. Whilst the Market Theatre Foundation supports
and encourages a free press the Market Theatre Foundation recognises the need
for responsible journalism which is grounded on ethical reporting.
The Chairperson of the MTF Council, Gerald
Themba Dumas, is satisfied that the process has been completed and thanks all
the staff members of the Market Theatre Foundation for their diligence and for
always putting the institution first even during this difficult period with the
MTF scooping several awards, accolades and international partnerships during
this period.
“The Council affirms its confidence in the
CEO and CFO of the Market Theatre Foundation. Throughout this difficult period
the entire staff of the Market Theatre Foundation, continued to serve their
significant roles and maintained our position as a leading arts and culture
institution in South Africa, and continued to make huge strides
internationally”, added Dumas.
The Market Theatre Foundation is a
legislated entity in terms of the Cultural Institutions Act No 119 of 1998.
With more than 300 awards for artistic excellence and 3 awards for human rights
that have been won over more than 4 decades the Market Theatre Foundation is
critically reflective and celebratory of its past, anchored to the
opportunities and the challenges of the present and visionary about the future.
The Foundation comprises of the Market Theatre complex, Market Theatre
Laboratory, Market Photo Workshop and the Windybrow Arts Centre.
Issued
on behalf of the Council of the Market Theatre Foundation
Gerald Themba Dumas, Chairperson
Council of the Market Theatre Foundation
For more information visit http://www.markettheatre.co.za
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