Some residents have expressed their gratitude that the house will now resemble the legacy of Madikizela-Mandela and that their children will grow to learn the rich history of their town, while others have expressed concerns that the project has simply taken too long to kick off with more than a million unaccounted for.

The house that has since 2005 been announced as a heritage site, planned to be renovated into a museum, has remained dilapidated for many years with some of the community members alleging that it has become a hub for criminals. To date, a fence and the placement of security on site are the only recent signs of development. One of the 56-year-old residents, who would like to remain anonymous, told OFM News that she is hopeful the house is not just pep talk to get them to vote, but a beacon of hope for the younger generations…

“I am happy that we are going to have a museum in town where our children and grandchildren can learn about the history of the country. I am also pleased that the construction of this project will also bring about job creation in our town.”

Meanwhile, Mthethwa has refuted allegations that his department is only paying attention to the project now as part of electioneering as the country nears the May 8 elections.

He said the refurbishments at the house are part of the department's plan to preserve all heritage sites, to enrich the country's history, and to honour the legacy of struggle stalwarts such as Mama Winnie.

Mthethwa has further announced that refurbishments at the house are set to kick off from 2 May and assured the public that it will reach completion.

Following the struggle stalwart’s death in April 2018, the then former Free State ANC interim coordinator, William Bulwane, who is now the deputy chairperson, said R3 million was initially allocated for the project and R204 000 was spent on the designs, with R2,7 million was redirected to renovate the Wesleyan Church where the ANC was established, ahead of the centenary celebrations in 2012.

Following Mthethwa’s walkabout at the historic site and engagement with the community at an open space next to the local library, some highlighted that they are also hopeful local contractors will benefit from the construction of the project set to be carried out to the tune of about R2.9 million by Risimati Consulting Engineers.

OFM News