The partially built Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance has received an additional R40m in funding for the project to be completed.
The centre in Hankey has been in the works for more than a decade, with nearly R250m spent so far.
The initial budget for the World Heritage Legacy Project was R164m. Construction started in 2014 and was meant to be completed in 30 months.
However, the project has been hampered by numerous delays, contractual disputes and cost overruns.
The centre is being constructed to commemorate Sarah Baartman, a Khoi woman from the Gamtoos Valley region who was tragically exhibited in Europe in the 19th century.
DA MP Joe McGluwa said in a statement the budget allocation marked a significant victory for heritage, historical redress and the power of accountable governance.
A total of R40m has been allocated for the 2025/2026 financial year, R31.43m for 2026/2027 and R8.84m for the third year.
“This progress is the direct result of sustained DA pressure — on provincial as well as national government level — and decisive intervention by DA minister of public works and infrastructure Dean Macpherson.
“For over a decade, the project stood as a symbol of government neglect, with R247m spent, three contractors later and no completed centre to show,” McGluwa said.
“The DA consistently fought for transparency and accountability, including repeated oversight visits, public pressure and parliamentary questions.
“A formal service level agreement has been signed with the department of sport, arts and culture and clearly defined project milestones and steering committees are in place.”
McGluwa said the centre was more than bricks and mortar, but a national act of remembrance and a critical step in honouring Baartman.
“While the project will also benefit the local economy through construction and heritage conservation, it will have great advantages for the local community by creating a significant number of jobs.
“Its core value lies in its power to preserve memory, confront historical injustice and rebuild identity.”
The Herald
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