The R280 million monument still closed to the public

Nearly nine years after its grand unveiling, the Women’s Living Heritage Monument (WLHM) at Lillian Ngoyi Square in Tshwane remains closed to the public.

Although R198 million was spent on its construction and a further R80 million reportedly spent to try make it operational, the monument has yet to serve its intended purpose, a national tribute still locked behind closed doors.

An initiative of the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the project officially launched on 9 August 2012 and was meant to be completed in 2015.

However, construction of the facility was only completed in August 2018. 

According to the 2012 concept, “the primary purpose of the WLHM is to do justice to the overwhelming need for the nation to pay tribute to the role that women have players and do play in South Africa.”

Despite being unfinished, it was unveiled in 2016 by former President Jacob Zuma for the 60th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March.

More than 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in protest of apartheid pass laws.

Among its key features are four multi-million-rand statues commemorating legendary activists Lillian Ngoyi, Sophie De Bruyn, Helen Joseph, and Rahima Moosa, who symbolise the enduring legacy of women in the struggle for liberation.

It was also planned to include a leadership and development training center and serve as a tourist attraction hub in the heart of the capital.

There is also the ‘Memory Walk,’ an outdoor exhibition comprising twenty heritage plaques that chronicle the square’s transformation. LSP won the bid to design and build the permanent large-scale exhibitions.

A contractor was originally hired to build the monument for R151.86 million, however the amount later increased by R38.54 million, bringing the total to R190.40 million.

Because the increase in contract value was more than R20 million, it required approval from the Treasury, which did not happen.

As a result, the Gauteng Provincial Treasury said that the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) must record this as irregular expenditure of R18.54 million.

Ultimately, the expenditure on the construction alone hit R198 million, according to the Department.

Big problems

The project has faced numerous setbacks. Squabbles between contractors have previously caused delays, and the facility has also been impacted by vandalism. 

Critically, the City of Tshwane has declined to grant an occupancy certificate because the building boasts significant safety challenges, including fire safety issues, problems with the lift, and leaks and plumbing issues.

According to the Department’s most recent annual report, its infrastructure asset of the WLHM is listed as being in a “bad” condition, despite the public never making use of the facility and spending over R80 million to try and make it operational.

Aside from a few government signs, banners, and statues of struggle heroes, the building is largely empty, with the only signs of activity coming from the security personnel stationed there.

The gates are closed and the public are barred access, with consistent missed deadlines for completion.

In February 2023, the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) handed over the site to a repairs contractor and the set completion date was 29 August 2024. This never happened.

The Department’s 2023/24 annual report notes that the WLHM “has a delay concerning the issuing of the occupancy certificate and repairs to the infrastructural needs; i.e., the backup generator, earth leakage cable and the delayed installation of the exhibition content.”

Despite the absence of visitors, it said the site continued to receive regular maintenance, including cleaning, electricity, security, and gardening services.

They added that a memorandum of understanding with the State Theatre aimed to ensure upkeep through services like refuse removal and water supply.

However, because construction was not completed by the end of the 2023/2024 financial year, an occupancy certificate could not be issued.

According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province, it continues to accumulate an annual cost of R12 million for minor refurbishment work, with no end in sight. Around R80 million has been spent since “completion.”

BusinessTech reached out to the Department for comment, but could not get a response by time of publication.

The Department had recently told News24 that “upon completion of the repairs along with the obtaining of the occupancy certificate, the facility… will be ready and fully operational to carry out its important function in promoting and preserving the role and interests of women in our society.”

A construction worker on the site said that a monthly report had been submitted to the Gauteng DID.

However, he could not confirm when the monument might open and only stated that it would occur “sometime this year” – something that annual reports have been saying for close to a decade.

Public protector complaint

On 22 May 2025, the DA in Gauteng reported the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) MEC, Matome Chiloane, to the Public Protector.

According to DA Gauteng Spokesperson for SACR, Leanne De Jager, this is for failing to expedite the opening of the WLHM.

“Despite being completed in 2018, costing R280 million, the monument has remained closed, incurring additional building and maintenance costs while not benefitting the residents of Tshwane and the broader province,” said De Jager.

She said that the DA has tabled questions to the MEC to find out why the monument remains closed while still incurring millions annually for “minor refurbishments”, and that several oversight visits by them were blocked.

“Despite these efforts, nothing has been done to fast-track the opening of this monument, which stands at the centre of Tshwane and should attract tourists and investment to create jobs for the local residents and help empower the youth,” said De Jager.

Other images of the Women’s Living Heritage Monument