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The outside gates of Elijah Mango College of Education which has been closed for years.
Community members in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga, have welcomed plans to reopen the former Elijah Mango College of Education.
The facility, previously used as a teachers’ college, has been abandoned for years and shows signs of vandalism and deterioration.
Residents say its closure has limited access to nearby education and skills development opportunities for young people.
Former student and now teacher, Thandi Lukhele, says the reopening would benefit many in the community.
“I was very happy to be trained as a teacher at Elijah Mango (College), then from 1995 to 97 after us being trained as teachers, the college was closed down. So we are happy that the department wants to open because our learners now are sitting at home. They didn’t manage to go to universities; some of them stayed with grannies, some of them didn’t have the skill to learn, they have skills in building, plumbing, painting, and stuff,” said Lukhele.
Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, says several institutions have expressed interest in using the facility.
“We have invited individuals that we wanted to list at the facility, so far we have had engagement with three entities, including Ehlanzeni TVET College and the South African Defence Force and also the South African Police Service of late. Those are the discussions that we have. We just received a letter recently from the Ehlanzeni TVET College. They want to do an assessment of the damages. Also, that will inform them in terms of the funds that will be required,” said Thomo.
The department says engagements are ongoing to determine the future use of the facility.
Kabokweni community dismayed as education facility turned into a criminals’ hub:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wti4XIkaaws
