Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – A month has passed since Mmabana Cultural Centre was plunged into darkness after its electricity supply was disconnected over an outstanding debt of approximately R1.6 million.
The cultural institution has reportedly been without electricity since 21 May after Centlec SOC disconnected the supply. Since then, there has been little visible progress in restoring services, raising concerns about the future of one of the province’s key cultural facilities.
In explaining the situation, Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation spokesperson Tankiso Zola attributed the crisis to financial constraints facing the department.
“This funding gap has resulted in ongoing challenges in maintaining uninterrupted services at Mmabana Cultural Centre,” said Zola.
The electricity crisis has once again placed the spotlight on the department’s financial priorities and its ability to sustain institutions under its care.
Questions are also being raised by artists and service providers who claim they are still waiting to be paid for work performed at departmental events. Among them are artists from Brandfort who allegedly remain unpaid for services rendered during an event held in October last year.
The situation has fuelled criticism from community members and stakeholders who question how major events continue to receive substantial funding while critical cultural infrastructure struggles to remain operational.
Critics point to the significant resources allocated to flagship events such as Macufe, arguing that the province appears willing to spend on high-profile programmes while institutions tasked with nurturing arts and culture face mounting operational challenges.
For many, the continued closure of Mmabana is more than an administrative failure. It represents a setback for artists, community groups and young people who rely on the centre as a platform for cultural expression and development.
As the lights remain off, pressure is mounting on the Free State Provincial Government to provide a clear plan on how and when the electricity debt will be settled and services restored.
One month later, stakeholders are still waiting for answers.
With politicians focusing on being celebrities and instead of serving, social media and cultism will be the end of ANC because leaders just do everything that will put them on camera and don’t care about service delivery.
In other news, Teboho Mosouane, the director for legal services at Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is no more.
He is the first victim of the failed unlawful transfer from Agriculture to Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, his death comes at a time when he is busy with cases involving fraud and corruption.
Watch those who hated him sing him praises.
May his soul rest in piece.
Support Independent Journalism
Stories like this matter. Accountability matters. Truth matters.
If you believe in fearless, independent reporting that holds power to account, help us keep going.
Your contribution, even as little as R10 makes a difference.
Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB: 63110371703
If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp: 068 507 6731
Independent. Unbought. Unfiltered.
More Stories
Masilonyana LM: Two CFOs and contempt of court loading… while service delivery is absent
PSC report on law firms, consequence management gathering dust
UPDATE | MPAC to revisit recommendations, including R850 million write-off