Some locals say this is a blatant lie. One of the locals, Goodwill Tshelatshele, who claims to be a fully fledged member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), tells OFM News that there is no truth in what the minister is saying about the planned refurbishment of the house. He says he is not surprised by the announcement by Mthethwa, especially when it's only a week before the national election on 8 May 2019.

The minister has announced that the project of refurbishing the house will be done at a cost of R2.9 million. Tshelatshele is adamant that this is just another ploy by the ANC-led government to loot the money. Tshelatshele alleges it is not the first R2.9 million set out for the project and has questioned the logic behind outside contractors as opposed to those who are local.

"If you look at Brandfort where the museum will be built, the municipality is not delivering services because they do not have trucks to collect refuse. They do not even have the equipment, but they are busy coughing up money building museums and hiring contractors outside of town," says Tshelatshele.

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. OFM News previously reported that the Mayor of the Lejweleputswa District mayor, Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, said plans to name the Masilonyana Municipality after the late struggle stalwart, Madikizela-Mandela, aims to restore, develop and uphold the lives of residents in Brandfort and other surrounding areas.

Ngangelizwe said the municipality understands the plight residents in that area are faced with on a daily basis. He said issues of water and infrastructure, amongst others, are being attended to by his municipality.

OFM News