The house, which was planned to be turned into a museum decades ago, has created great security concerns at the historic site amongst the residents of Brandfort. 

Many residents have told OFM News that it is appalling how Madikizela-Mandela's name is not being honoured by the governing party and how the house has for years been left to become a hub of criminal activities where girls were raped and illegal substances were used. To date, not much developments have taken place since a fence was erected around the premises and 24-hour security services were appointed.

The house drew much controversy over the years with many accusing the former premier and now ANC Secretary General, Ace Magashule, of corruption and stealing money that was meant for the project.

The then provincial ANC interim coordinator, William Bulwane, who is now the Deputy Chair, has refuted allegations that funds earmarked for the project were embezzled. He said R3 million was allocated for the project and R204 000 was spent on the designs while R2,7 million was re-directed to renovate the Wesleyan Church where the ANC was established, ahead of the centenary celebrations in 2012.

Bulwane said some of the money for this project was also used to build the Plaatjie family another house and furnish it after they were told they could no longer live in Mandela's old house.

The initial announcement that the house would become a museum was made in 2005. The delays for the project were largely blamed on the Independent Development Trust (IDT), which managed it, as well as the National Department of Arts and Culture. The department, however, said it was not receiving value for money and was being overcharged on professional fees.

Following her death last year, the ANC in the Free State announced that the house, which was planned to be refurbished into a museum years ago, will be completed by the end of 2019 and that the national Department of Arts and Culture will continue with the project. Indications are that an amount of R4 million has been set aside for its completion.

Questions are mounting as to whether the refurbishment of the house will actually be completed by the end of the year as previously communicated by the ANC.

OFM News