Government commits to resolving Ohlange Institute project delays

THE Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has committed that within two months, they will have a joint plan of action to deal with the incomplete project at the Ohlange Institute in Inanda.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

The Ohlange Institute, where Nelson Mandela cast his first democratic vote in 1994, was founded in 1901 by Dr John Langalibalele Dube and his wife. Despite over R33 million in investment since 2012, the site has deteriorated, with infrastructure like the amphitheatre collapsing. Crucially, planned developments—including the Tower of Hope, Interpretation Centre, Craft Centre, Sports Centre, and School of Advocacy—have failed to materialise.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said this week's visit was in response to a motion passed by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) with regards to the incompleteness of the project at the Ohlange Institute.