Macpherson Rejects Report on Delayed Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance Project

Macpherson and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie plan to meet soon to devise a joint strategy for completing the project efficiently, preventing further waste of taxpayer funds.

   Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has rejected a joint report by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture concerning the stalled construction of the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance in Hankey, Eastern Cape.

The report, presented to the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, outlined the project's status, which has been plagued by delays since a tender was issued in 2014. Despite millions being spent over the past decade, construction is only 37% complete.

Minister Macpherson expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “Both departments failed to brief the Ministers on the report, and it is unacceptable that after three contractors over ten years, the project is less than halfway finished.” He emphasized the importance of the Sarah Baartman Centre as a symbol of respect for Baartman’s legacy, noting the failure of the project dishonors her memory.

Macpherson and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie plan to meet soon to devise a joint strategy for completing the project efficiently, preventing further waste of taxpayer funds. Macpherson stressed that both ministers are determined to end the era of fruitless expenditure on memorial projects, citing this initiative as a potential model for resolving similar projects across South Africa.

"This waste of taxpayer money must end," said Macpherson, emphasizing the need for swift and effective action to restore integrity to the project.