This as on Wednesday the Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, flanked by the mayor and other dignitaries, officially announced that R2.9 million has been set aside for the reconstruction and refurbishment of Madikizela-Mandela’s house in the Majwemasweu Location. The district mayor of Lejweleputswa, Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, spoke with OFM News on the sidelines of the event where the contractor tipped for this multimillion-rand project was officially announced to the community. During a media briefing, Mthethwa said his department has not officially received any communication from those who want to change the name of the municipality. Ngangelizwe says despite a resolution having been taken to this effect they are still consulting with other relevant stakeholders about this decision.

During the briefing, Mthethwa also announced that the restoration processes to turn Madikizela-Mandela's Brandfort house into a museum will be completed by the 4th of November. The house, that has since 2005 been announced as a heritage site planned to be renovated into a museum, remains dilapidated with a fence and the placement of security on site being the only recent signs of some development. It has drawn much controversy over the years with community members alleging it had become a hub of criminal activities with many accusing former premier and now ANC Secretary-General, Ace Magashule, of embezzling funds earmarked for it.

OFM News