The Marapyane community is calling on the government to revive a defunct Further Education and Training (FET) college, originally established during the Bophuthatswana homeland era, which they say has been abandoned by the Mpumalanga provincial administration.
Residents allege that the Marapyane Agricultural College, which briefly operated in 2013 before shutting down, has become a “white elephant,” depriving local youth of educational opportunities. The facility, equipped with classrooms, a hall, a gym, and student residences, remains unused while students are forced to travel long distances to access further education.
Struggles of Students and Unemployment Crisis
Community members say the closure has worsened unemployment, leaving many young people without skills or prospects. One resident shared their personal struggle, stating: “I couldn’t secure space at nearby colleges and had to travel daily to Viljoenskroon, struggling with transport and accommodation. A functioning FET college here would equip our youth with skills and keep them off the streets.”
Allegations of Mismanagement
Locals accuse officials from the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) of exploiting the facility for tender deals benefiting individuals in Mbombela, while Marapyane remains sidelined. The college, initially a teacher training institution under Bophuthatswana, closed in 1990 before briefly reopening as an agricultural college in 2013. However, residents claim it primarily served students bused in from Lofveld College rather than local learners.
Calls for Reincorporation into Limpopo or Gauteng
Frustrated with Mpumalanga’s perceived neglect, the community has renewed demands to be reincorporated into either Limpopo or Gauteng, citing geographical and administrative ties. “Topographically, we belong to Limpopo. We also want our own Category B municipality to better address our needs,” a resident said.
The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, and Environmental Affairs did not respond to requests for comment.
As the community awaits action, the dormant college stands as a symbol of unfulfilled promises and the ongoing struggle for accessible education and development in the region.
