By Bongani Tshabalala
KOPPIES- Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC, Limakatso Mahasa has disclosed that, Brandfort and Hoffman Square in Bloemfontein are amongst the few towns that will be renamed in this financial year.
Mahasa announced this while tabling her department’s R638 million budgets for the 2021/22 in Koppies.
She said the town of Brandfort will soon be named after struggle stalwart, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and her statue will be erected in the same town. The town has for years made headlines over Madikizela-Mandela’s house which stood as a white elephant after millions allocated for its refurbishment were unaccounted for.
“In line with the heritage landscape transformation goal the department has been part of the process of restoration work of Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Museum in Brandfort. Physical restoration of the museum is completed and currently the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is finalising the appointment of a service provider who will compile historical research that will inform the Museum exhibition,” said Mahasa.
She also disclosed that popular Hoffman Square in Bloemfontein will be renamed Charlotte Maxeke Park, and a statue of Charlotte erected at the same park.
Other statues to be erected include: “The three-metre live size bronze statue of comrade Fezile Dabi which has been completed and that of Mama Albertina Sisulu which will be completed in the first half of this year. These statues will be unveiled this year. Mama Sisulu’s statue will be installed and unveiled in Welkom as announced by the Premier in the State of the Province Address” she added.
Mahasa’s statement on renaming of towns and landmarks comes just a month after Port Elizabeth has been renamed Gqeberha, Port Elizabeth International Airport renamed Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, while Uitenhage is now known as Kariega.
