LATE ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s home is falling apart.
The house in Mbizana, in the Eastern Cape, even got attention when Mama, as Winnie was affectionately known, died last year.
During her memorial service, President Cyril Ramaphosa promised to build Mama’s home, a hospital and tar roads in the area.
But Mama’s home has yet to be built.
Family members told the SunTeam they were disappointed by the state’s empty promises.
Said family spokesperson, Prince Madikizela: “We’ve always said if the government ever loved Mama, it must build her home here in Mbizana.
“When she died we made three requests to the president, including building Mama’s home, the Meje Hospital and tarring the road.
“During the memorial service, President Ramaphosa promised Mama’s home would be built. But a year has passed and the home is still not built.”
Winnie’s nephew, Thembelani Madikizela, told the SunTeam he was also disappointed by government’s empty promises.
Commented Thembelani: “I can confirm nothing’s been done to build my aunt’s home. There’s also no indication of when it’ll be built.”
He said Mama’s home was meant to be a tourist attraction.
“To us, this is important because it forms part of our history, it’s our heritage,” Thembelani said.
“I can’t say when they were supposed to start, but we’d hoped it’d be finished by now.
“Unfortunately, we don’t know what’s causing the delay. I’m disappointed because every time we meet government officials, they seem committed but do nothing.
“I’ve held several meetings with the stakeholders, including the Alfred Nzo and Mbizana municipalities and the National Heritage Council. And nothing’s been done.”
Mbizana communications manager, Thamsanqa Cwibi, said: “The municipal manager, Luvuyo Mahlaka, is dealing with the issue. But I don’t know how far the matter has gone.”
Alfred Nzo municipality’s Ayanda Giyose said: “Municipal manager Zamile Sikhundla is dealing with matter.”
