Mmabana Cultural Centre proves Mangope was right as Centlec switches off lights over R1.6 million debt

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – Today marks exactly 25 days since Centlec SOC disconnected electricity supply to the Mmabana Cultural Centre over an outstanding debt of more than R1.6 million.

Located in the heart of Thaba Nchu, the centre was once regarded as a major arts and cultural institution during the former Bophuthatswana administration.

Today, however, the facility appears to be a shadow of its former self.

STEP UP SA News can confirm that the centre has been without electricity since 21 May after Centlec acted against the growing debt.

Sources familiar with the situation claim that operations at the facility have been severely affected by the power disconnection.

The centre also serves as a pre-school and community arts hub.

The latest development has renewed debate about the state of cultural institutions in the province and the challenges they face in maintaining operations.

The late Lucas Mangope often argued that institutions established under the former homeland government would struggle under future administrations.

Supporters of the former leader have pointed to the current state of Mmabana as evidence of that warning.

This is what Dr Mangope said. “The future is bleak”

WATCH

Centre manager Meriam Moffat did not respond to questions sent by STEP UP SA News, instead referring enquiries to Barry Swanepoel and Tankiso Zola.

Questions are also being raised about the centre’s financial position. Several artists who performed at the Winnie Mandela Book Launch in Brandfort in October 2025 have previously complained about outstanding payments owed to them.

Whether the department will settle the debt and restore electricity to the centre remains unclear.

Tankiso Zola spokesperson for Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in Free State confirmed the switch due to debt.

“The Department can confirm that Mmabana Arts and Culture is unfortunately currently without electricity.

“Efforts are being made to expedite provision of electricity to the Centre and address the budget constraints that have led to this unfortunate state of affairs.

“Interim measures have been made to provide alternative power sources for heating and cooking at the Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) within Mmabana. These interventions, although not permanent in nature, are intended to ensure the continued operation of the ECD and non interruption of the service.

Renovations are ongoing at Mmabana to ensure quality service to local artists under proper conditions. And while these renovations are ongoing the matter of electricity will continue to be addressed.

It is part of the plans of the Department to have payment of electricity at Mmabana be taken over by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as it is the case with other government buildings.”

This is a developing story.

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