Following a visit to the historic Ohlange Institute with the family of Dr John Langalibalele Dube, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, on Monday announced that a Special Technical Construction team will be established to expedite the project’s completion.
Macpherson was accompanied by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and KwaZulu-Natal National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Whip, Mzamo Billy.
The Ohlange Institute, founded by Dr Dube and his wife in 1901 and where former President Nelson Mandela cast his first democratic vote, has received over R33 million worth of investment since 2012, but has since fallen into a state of disrepair.
The Minister said the special technical construction team -- between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and its entity, the Independent Development Trust (IDT) -- will have to develop a plan of action within two months to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible.
The Minister said the completion of the Ohlange Institute is part of ensuring that public assets contribute to the public good, instead of becoming eyesores in the communities where they are located.
This is especially important for projects such as the Ohlange Institute, which were intended to honour the past as South Africa works towards a better future.
“The era of half-completed Public Works and Infrastructure projects across South Africa is coming to an end. In its place, we are introducing urgency, transparency and accountability to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
“It is through this culture of excellence that we are building a better department, and indeed, a better South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
