Premier Sisi Ntombela, alongside MEC for Arts and Culture, Limakatso Mahasa, were expected to hold the event at the sports ground opposite the Winnie Mandela house on Friday morning. 

OFM News previously reported that the town was being renamed after the struggle-stalwart and her house was set to be the centre of attention on this day. The town, situated about 60 km outside Bloemfontein, started making 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 over millions earmarked to refurbish it into a museum, were unaccounted for.

Plans of turning the house into a museum were announced in 2005. 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 was expected to be coupled with the erection of her statue at the premises and the renaming of the town. Mthethwa, further stated that he was pleased that the construction of a sports facility opposite the house is also underway. This is where Ntombela and Mahasa were expected to lead the unveiling event for the renaming of the town.

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