Artists in Mdantsane have been left stranded as renovations at the R11m Mdantsane Arts Centre have stalled due to disputes between Buffalo City Metro and the contractor.
The contractor, Mpelwane Developments, which was awarded the tender in August 2023, is said to have reached a deadlock with the city.
This is the same company involved in the Sisa Dukashe Stadium and Toyana Road renovations which are also at a standstill, two years after their commencement date.
The company was part of a joint venture with construction company Mmagoge Group to refurbish Sisa Dukashe’s grandstand, which lost its PSL accreditation because of its condition.
The companies were also appointed to construct pavements in Ilitha Township and do upgrades in a section of Toyana Road.
The roads project, which started in 2019, was broken up into five phases, the first of which was the construction of pavements.
All these projects have been halted since April 2024.
It was reported in March that the projects had come to a halt after employees downed tools over nonpayment of salaries.
The striking employees accused the company of unprofessionalism.
The Mdantsane Arts Centre refurbishments in zone 2 were expected to take 12 months, but the project now sits vandalised.
The revitalised centre was expected to feature a dance studio, music room, ceramics room and ablution facilities, which were welcomed by the artists who have been using the space despite its deterioration.
When reached for comment, Mpelwane Developments director Bonga Mpelwane referred the matter to the municipality.
He, however, confirmed that they were still in negotiations with the city despite leaving the site.
He said Mmagoge Group was the lead contractor on the Sisa Dukashe Stadium refurbishments and all payments were directed to the group.
“Mmagoge were leading so they are best people to answer on the Sisa Dukashe project and other projects.”
Buffalo City spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said it was between the city and the contractor to iron out the matter.
“We cannot comment on contents of the contract,” he said.
“However, the city is still committed to supporting the creative sphere within Buffalo City by making sure there is a conducive environment for artists to showcase and hone their skills.
“The Mdantsane Art Centre, once it is revamped and functioning, will be the hub for artists in Mdantsane not only to learn new skills but network and connect with organisations within the art space for support.”
An artist who still uses the derelict centre said the halt had hit them hard.
“Arts groups had to be relocated to containers at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium for the period of renovations and others used the public library’s unused rooms for rehearsals,” the artist, who did not want to be named, said.
“Construction trucks came in to work and also delivered equipment.
“All of a sudden the project was discontinued and the people who were employed there were not getting paid.
“All those containers were then locked, so we couldn’t use them any more.
“There was no security on site and the centre became vandalised.
“Artists can’t rehearse because there’s no electricity for music, and the artists also need to bring in their own speakers.”
Tender documents dated February 2023 reveal that Mpelwane Developments had put in a bid of R11.4m for the project.
The highest bid was R23.3m and the lowest was R10.3m.
A total of 16 bids were received by the city.
Mmagoge Group could not be reached for comment.
In August 2023 during an interview with the Dispatch, Ngwenya said the refurbishment was aimed at making the art centre more functional.
He said the aim was to get more artists to use the art centre as their place of operation in an effort benefit the broader community.
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