This, as the provincial government, led by Premier Sisi Ntombela, is expected to hold an event to celebrate the renaming of the town to Winnie Mandela. 

The town, situated about 60km outside Bloemfontein, made news last week Friday when Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa gazetted the name change. Brandfort is where the late struggle stalwart was banished to by the apartheid regime in 1977. 

She was banished to House 802, which has over the years drawn controversy after millions earmarked to refurbish it into a museum, was allegedly unaccounted for. Plans of turning the house into a museum were announced in 2005 and has since drawn controversy. The house, now fenced and under renovations, has for years made news with residents alleging it had turned into a hub of criminal activities with many also accusing former premier Ace Magashule of embezzling funds earmarked for it.

In 2019, Mthethwa refuted allegations that funds for this project were looted. During his oversight visit again in April this year, he refuted the allegations stating that the restoration processes to turn Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's Brandfort house into a museum will soon be completed. This, coupled with the erection of her statue at the premises and the renaming of the town.

Mthethwa further stated that he is pleased that the construction of a sports facility opposite the house is also underway. This is where Ntombela and the MEC for Arts and Culture, Limakatso Mahasa, are expected to lead the unveiling event for the renaming of the town on 20 August 2021.

Meanwhile, the DA in the province has raised concerns over the decision to rename the town putting into question what they view as a lack of public participation in the process.

OFM News