Search South Africa News

Categories
#africa #africanews #southafrica #zapeople #zatalk ZA ZA Top News in South Africa Regions

Official unveiling ceremony of Winnie Mandela Town postponed again

The Free State government has postponed for the second time the official unveiling ceremony of Winnie Mandela Town which was scheduled to take place on Sunday. The sprawling town Brandfort has been renamed, Winnie Mandela.

However, some residents disapprove, saying resources should rather be diverted to service delivery. South Africans go to the polls in local government elections on November the first.

On Friday, a road sign depicting the name Winnie Mandela was defaced by angry residents.

Free State premier’s spokesperson Sello Pietersen explains: “The unveiling of mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Town in what we used to call Brandfort has been postponed. A further date will be provided. It is on the basis that everything else is in order so that we honour our fallen icon in a true manner.”

Many residents say they do not see the significance of the name change while they continue to suffer on a daily basis.

“People of Brandfort, I’m ashamed to hear today that Brandfort has changed to Winnie Mandela. I’m ashamed and heartbroken. The issue is we don’t have a clinic. The clinic is burnt down. It’s almost four years, but they have done nothing. There’s corruption, no jobs, and remain jobless. People wake up and sort yourself out,” says one of the residents.

“Name change … it’s not fine. We cannot change a name, but we know the ANC because they have the power and everything. They will change the name, but we are not happy. The very same ANC … we don’t have a clinic; we don’t have water or even electricity. Why the name change?” says another disgruntled resident.

Mixed reactions to the renaming of Brandfort to Winnie Mandela

– Additional reporting Ishmael Modiba

The post Official unveiling ceremony of Winnie Mandela Town postponed again appeared first on SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader..

Read more here:: Latest South Africa News

Search South Africa News