An investigation into the CFO of Robben Island Museum reveals allegations of fraud and résumé falsification, leading to the freezing of his pension benefits pending criminal proceedings.
The former chief financial officer (CFO) of Robben Island Museum has failed in his bid to have his pension benefit released after the Pension Funds Adjudicator ruled that the retirement fund was entitled to withhold the money pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
The former CFO, who was employed by the museum from June 1, 2023 until June 12, 2025, was dismissed following a disciplinary hearing into allegations that he fraudulently misrepresented his professional qualifications. His withdrawal benefit of R389 534.33 was subsequently frozen by the Alexander Forbes Retirement Fund at the request of the museum.
Robben Island Museum alleged that the former CFO falsely claimed to be a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) when he was appointed. The museum said it suffered financial loss because it paid him more than R2 million in remuneration for a position he was allegedly not qualified to hold.
On July 13, 2025, the museum requested the fund to withhold the withdrawal benefit. The fund informed the former CFO of the request on September 16, 2025 and invited him to make representations. His legal representatives submitted written representations on September 25, 2025, but the fund decided on October 17, 2025 to withhold the benefit pending the finalisation of criminal proceedings.
