MINISTER LAUNCHES KEY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN HANKEY AND REIGNITES SARAH BAARTMAN CENTRE

Article and Pictures by Maanea Maselesele

22 April 2025

In a significant step toward fast-tracking infrastructure delivery, Minister Dean Macpherson visited Hankey to unveil a series of high-priority development projects, under the newly established Strategic and Special Delivery Unit (SSDU). The SSDU forms part of the Department’s broader plan to accelerate the implementation of infrastructure projects that have experienced historical delays. The unit will be led by the Deputy Director-General: Construction Project Management Unit, tasked with providing dedicated oversight, coordination, and project support.

The Minister’s engagement commenced with a comprehensive site inspection of the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance. This on-site assessment was led by Director-General, Sifiso Mdakane, and aimed at evaluating current conditions and refining strategic pathways to accelerate the centre’s completion.

A community engagement took place at Vusumzi Community Hall, where community members, stakeholders, and traditional leaders gathered to witness the official start of a new era in infrastructure delivery and cultural restoration. The program was officially opened by the Executive Mayor of Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Cllr Deon de Vos, “Today marks more than a visit — it marks a renewed partnership between government and community. The site visit was a clear signal that the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance is finally moving from promise to progress,” he said.

Addressing the community, Minister Macpherson stated, “This is about more than just constructing infrastructure — it’s about restoring dignity and bringing opportunities to the places that need them most . “It is time we complete what we started.” “The SSDU is a decisive step to ensure legacy projects like these are completed with urgency and dignity.” Added Macpherson

Upon completion the Centre will be handed over to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The Centre will feature a Museum, Educational and Storytelling spaces, as well as, Tourism and community amenities. The Minister’s visit was met with celebration and gratitude from local residents. Today’s gathering marks the start of the Special Projects Unit’s national rollout. Lessons from this project will guide future efforts, as the Department strengthens its focus on inclusive development, accountability, and transparent delivery across all priority projects. The unit, comprising of experts from across the Department, will provide the Minister with fortnightly progress reports to ensure that projects are swiftly completed.