She says the city has made encouraging strides in developing detailed designs for Phase 1 of Waaihoek Development.

Mlamleli said R28 million will be spent on the Waaihoek Precinct Redevelopment in the 2019/20 budget year.

In 2011, Mangaung Metro set aside R35 million for the renovation of the church but it could not be completed before the centenary celebration of the ANC in 2012. 

However, Mlamleli said they have now set their sights in completing phase one of the church soon.

The church, now in the centre of the city, was bought by the provincial government for a reported R10 million after lengthy negotiations with Kevin Jacobs, who had purchased it for R280 000 in 2003.

It was recently declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Resources Agency.

The building was previously a panel beating workshop, and the provincial government renovated it in time for the ANC’s centenary celebrations in January 2012.

Mlamleli said the development is scheduled to start soon.

OFM News/Michael Tlhakudi