The entire retirement benefit of former Robben Island Museum CFO Karabo Ramela is worth only a fraction of the museum’s alleged losses.
The entire retirement benefit of former Robben Island Museum CFO Karabo Ramela is worth only a fraction of the museum’s alleged losses, according to a Pension Funds Adjudicator ruling that upheld the freezing of his pension pending criminal and civil proceedings.
Ramela’s withdrawal benefit amounts to R389,534.33, while the Alexander Forbes Retirement Fund told the adjudicator the museum had estimated legal costs and damages of about R3 million.
The museum later said it was seeking to recover R2 million in salary it alleges was paid under false pretences after Ramela allegedly misrepresented his qualifications, a statement from the ombud noted.
Ramela, who served as the museum’s chief financial officer from June 2023 until his dismissal in June 2025, challenged the fund’s decision to withhold his retirement benefit after the museum alleged he falsely claimed to be a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) when he was appointed.
