Politics
Macpherson hands over Sarah Baartman Centre site to new contractor – SABC News
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has officially handed over the construction site of the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance in Hankey, Eastern Cape, to a newly appointed contractor.
The R180 million project, which has been delayed for more than a decade, is intended to honour the life and legacy of Sarah Baartman and preserve the heritage of the Khoi and San people.
The construction of the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance began more than a decade ago, with the vision of creating a national heritage site dedicated to Sarah Baartman’s life and the history of the Khoi and San people.
The project was planned to include exhibition spaces, educational facilities and areas for cultural reflection. It has now been identified by the department as a priority project, requiring urgent intervention.
Macpherson has set a completion deadline of 20 October 2027 for the long-awaited heritage site.
“I think it’s been a great shame, that for more than a decade, this project has remained incomplete, particularly considering that it is a Remembrance Centre, and in remembrance of Sara Bartmann, a hugely significant South African that suffered immense shame and indignity, when she was taken from this country, and shown as an amusement. And so this Centre really should have been about restoring that dignity. And in fact, it’s prolonged it. And that’s why when I came into office, one of the important things that I wanted to do was to get failed projects back on track.”
Macpherson says the newly awarded contract includes specialised construction work needed to complete the centre.
He says the department will closely oversee the project.
“They’ve been given a deadline of the 20th of October, 2027, to complete this project, and there are significant issues that need to be dealt with. And a lot of specialised work that has to take place. So, um, I have my DDG for Construction Project Management with me, and the IDT Deputy Chair, and they’re here also to commit to making sure that this gets across the line. And we’re going to restore that dignity and that incredible legacy that’s our apartment left behind through the Centre. And I’ve also given the contractor very strict terms that they need to do everything possible to do this, that no failure will be tolerated, and I’m confident that they can do it.”
Traditional leaders say completing the project means restoring dignity to Sarah Baartman’s legacy and creating a place where future generations can connect with their heritage.
Senior Khoi Leader, Captain Edmund Wayne Stuurman says, “It’s the most important project, especially for Khoi and San, around the country and even internationally, because now it inspires hope that our memory and remembrance of past will not get lost. And we’re so glad that the Minister of Public Words has taken this initiative in the steppe to provide a facility in the infrastructure where people will be able then to come from across the country, and you know, come into the space, and obviously enjoy, and talk about the stories, and the memory of our fallen heroes.”
The completed centre is expected to serve as a national heritage site while also boosting tourism and economic activity in the small town of Hankey.
RELATED VIDEO: Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance in Hankey remains incomplete – Joe McGluwa weighs in
[MEDIA ADVISORY] MINISTER @DeanMacpherson TO HAND OVER SARAH BAARTMAN CENTRE OF
REMEMBRANCE SITE TO NEWLY APPOINTED CONTRACTOR AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE OF DELAYS. pic.twitter.com/m0HEWIxJJg— Department Of Public Works and Infrastructure (@DepartmentPWI) July 3, 2026
Credit: Sisipho Ngcumbe
