Her comments come after the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, had announced the renaming of Brandfort to Winnie Mandela.

Ntombela said that this came a few days prior to the celebration of National Women’s Day - a day that is primarily reserved for the immense contribution made by fearless women in South Africa.

She further stated that women of this country remain indebted to the contribution made by all these fearless and radical women who led from the front in shaping the kind of society that is seen today.

“It is common knowledge that this struggle icon, a liberation stalwart and a true leader of our people was banished to Brandfort in May 1977 by the illegitimate apartheid regime. They did so in an attempt to silence her ever fighting voice and breaking her fearless spirit of no surrender. We remain fully committed to ensuring that this project becomes a resounding success. It is for this reason that the finalisation of the renaming of the entire area after her brings the greatest of joys to all of us.

"On the 20th August 2021, we will be officially recording this historic moment and rename this important town in our collective history after our icon, the true mother of our nation, the former President of my organisation, the African National Congress Women's League,” said Ntombela.

Meanwhile, OFM News previously reported the DA in the Free State says it will be challenging the name change of Brandfort to Winnie Mandela due to lack of public participation, amongst other things.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi